The Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese of Washington is facing major financial losses—a $10 million annual deficit that has been dragging on for the past five years.
The challenge of keeping the budget balanced has forced Cardinal McElroy to take drastic measures, which he has already communicated to the center’s staff through a letter.
The most significant impact will be staff reductions. Around 30 jobs will be cut and all possible expenses will be reduced with several departments requiring restructuring as well.
We will do everything possible to ease the transition process by offering severance packages, extended benefits, and outplacement services to those who are let go […]. But I acknowledge that these measures can only mitigate—not eliminate—the suffering ahead of us.
Cardinal McElroy also noted that this is one of the most difficult decisions he has had to make. In fact, he attributed the current financial situation to several past issues.
The financial impact of the pandemic and the consequences of the McCarrick scandal, along with a prolonged period of inflation and volatile financial markets, have proven to be devastating economic challenges for the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center.
The McCarrick scandal took its toll on the Archdiocese in every way. Many faithful lost trust in the institution, and in turn, resulted in fewer donations to the Church.
Add to this the impact of the pandemic and inflation, which the whole world is still recovering from today.
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