DECREE — Relegation to Profane but Not Sordid Use: Saint John Chrysostom Church

Due to the deteriorating condition of Saint John Chrysostom Church and a lack of the necessary funding to repair and maintain the church, consideration must be given as to whether sufficient grave cause exists for the relegation of the Saint John Chrysostom Church to profane but not sordid use.

Whereas the pastor of Saint Martin I Parish, in whose territory Saint John Chrysostom Church is situated, wrote to me out of concern for the fiscal stability of Saint Martin I Parish in order to request that Saint John Chrysostom Church be relegated to profane but not sordid use;

Whereas the following reasons indicate that Saint John Chrysostom Church, located at 13084 E. Cross St., Evanston, Indiana, within the boundaries of Saint Martin I Parish, is no longer able to be used for divine worship:

Whereas Saint Martin I Parish now has the care of two church buildings which creates significant financial expenditure for the parish for maintenance and repairs of all edifices, giving rise to concern for the fiscal stability of the parish;

Whereas the structure of Saint John Chrysostom Church has deteriorated to the extent that major repairs are necessary, including, but not limited to:  extensive toxic black mold damage which has been deemed as hazardous for people and unsafe for use with the exception of a very brief presence for professional observational purposes, several code violations, the leaning of the steeple at a dangerous degree which poses a safety hazard to people and property, termite damage, damaged floor boards, mold-damaged insulation, a stream of water present under the foundation of the church which contributes to erosion of the overall structure of the church, improper rise and run of steps at the church entrance, peeling lead paint on the ceiling which contributes to health issues, vent fans lacking in restrooms which caused mold damage, deteriorated gutters and downspouts which contributed to water under the church foundation, deteriorated gas lines and lack of a meter to detect a gas leak,  and other structural concerns; such expense imposes a considerable financial strain on Saint Martin I Parish;

Whereas following the pastor’s consultation with the parishioners of Saint Martin I Parish, including the parish pastoral council and the parish finance council, no interest was expressed in maintaining use of Saint John Chrysostom Church;

Whereas other reasonable sources of funding for the maintenance of Saint John Chrysostom Church have been considered but found inadequate.

Having carefully considered the law and the facts; and

Having heard the pastor of Saint Martin I Parish; and

Having consulted the dean of the East Deanery; and

Having consulted the members of the Council of Priests on 19 January 2021 regarding the question of the possible relegation to profane but not sordid use of Saint John Chrysostom Church, and following discussion, no substantial objection to that proposal was offered; the Council of Priests voted unanimously in favor of the proposal; and

Having consulted the members of the College of Consultors on 19 January 2021 regarding the question of the possible relegation to profane but not sordid use of Saint John Chrysostom Church, and following discussion, no substantial objection to that proposal was offered; the College of Consultors voted unanimously in favor of the proposal; and

Having consulted the members of the Diocesan Finance Council on 28 January 2021 regarding the question of the possible relegation to profane but not sordid use of Saint John Chrysostom Church, and following discussion, no substantial objection to that proposal was offered; the Diocesan Finance Council voted unanimously in favor of the proposal; and

Having ascertained by means of the original deeds and other documents as well as having heard from others that there are no major donors and/or their heirs who may have donated the older church edifice and/or the land; and

Having ensured that the good of souls will suffer no harm; the celebration of Mass and the sacraments are offered at Saint Martin I Church.

Therefore, in accord with canons 1212 and 1222 §2 of the Code of Canon Law, and having judged that sufficient grave cause is indeed present, I hereby decree the relegation of Saint John Chrysostom Church to profane but not sordid use.  Therefore, it is no longer a sacred place and has lost its blessing, dedication, and consecration; it may no longer be used for divine worship.  

The care and upkeep of the former Saint John Chrysostom Church, the property on which the former church sits and any improvements such as the rectory, parish office, and all other adjacent property remain the financial responsibility of Saint Martin I Parish.

The provisions of this decree shall be effective on 15 June 2021, all things to the contrary notwithstanding.  This decree is to be communicated to all interested persons.  These provisions may be appealed according to the norm of law, canon 1734 §§1 and 2.

 

Given at Evansville, Indiana 

28 May 2021

Most Reverend Joseph M. Siegel, DD, STL, Bishop of Evansville

Tim McGuire, Chancellor