A new commission has been added to the staff of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Headed by Msgr. Joseph E. Moylan, P.A., V.G., the group of nine priests will constitute the Commission of Development.

“It is necessary, if we are to extend the frontiers of God’s Kingdom in Georgia, to provide for the physical and land structure for new parishes. This means a church, school, rectory and convent. To serve a Catholic population that has doubled since the diocese was established in 1956, twelve new parishes have been added,” Archbishop Hallinan said.

Three of these new parishes were established this May. In doing so the archbishop and consultors made use of the 1963 archdiocesan census results, projections of population by governmental, industrial and commercial bodies, and consultation with laymen experienced in growth and development projects.

The new Commission will continue to use these tools and techniques. In the archbishop’s words: “We use what is naturally helpful to achieve what is supernaturally necessary.” As vicar general of the diocese of Savannah-Atlanta for many years, Msgr. Moylan has a vast storehouse of data on the growth of the Church. As one priest has put it, “Monsignor has more maps than the National Geographic!”

The members of the new commission are: Msgr. Joseph G. Cassidy, P.A., V.G., and Fathers Phillip H. Dagneau, S.M., John F. McDonough, Walter J. Donovan, Joseph F. Ware, John J. Mulroy, Richard B. Morrow and Joseph J. Beltran.

They will meet regularly for discussion and their recommendations will be channeled to the archbishop and board of consultors through Msgr. Moylan.