Phoenix parishes to become nonprofit entities separate from diocese

Published: 2008-01-18

PHOENIX (CNS) -- The Phoenix Diocese is undertaking a comprehensive restructuring process so that its civil organization matches the one already in place canonically. Currently, the diocese is a corporate sole -- a legal entity consisting of a single incorporated office occupied by Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted. Through July 1, church leaders will be preparing each individual parish to become a separate, nonprofit corporation. Little will change in day-to-day parish operations, according to diocesan officials. "While this is a civil restructuring, we cannot forget who we are as church," said Father Fred Adamson, vicar general and moderator of the curia. "The way the church structures itself provides a great deal of autonomy at the parish level to minister to the local needs of the people of God." Under the current civil structure, Bishop Olmsted is listed as the property owner of all parish assets in trust for the given parish. But in actual practice, as prescribed by canon law, the pastor makes almost all decisions at the parish level.

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