May 17, 2019

Archbishop Thompson issues decree regarding former church buildings

Criterion staff report

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson has decreed that two former Church buildings be made usable for non‑sacred uses. In the terminology of the Church’s Code of Canon Law, this is referred to as “relegation to profane but not sordid use.”

The former Holy Cross Church in Indianapolis and the former St. Pius V Church in Sunman are the two buildings to be sold.

The decisions were made by Archbishop Thompson at the request of the pastor/moderator(s) and after having consulted with the Archdiocesan Presbyteral Council.

As noted in a decree published in this week’s issue of The Criterion, the decision to sell the Holy Cross property was spurred by the fact that the building is not in good repair; the insured value of the building is below the cost to repair it; the archway of the portico entrance of the church building has collapsed; and the merged parish of St. Philip Neri in Indianapolis has no use for the building.

A separate decree in this week’s newspaper states that the former St. Pius V Church building is also not in good repair; the choir loft was closed after a structural inspection revealed it was unsafe; another inspection revealed significant deterioration and insect damage to parts of the church building; additional water damage; and the merged parish of St. Charles Borromeo in Milan has no use for this building. †

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