To members of pastoral teams,
To priests, deacons, PCLs, LPAs,
To the faithful active in their communities,
To members of religious communities,
To Archdiocesan staff,

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of an important and difficult decision that has been taken in recent days by our Archbishop, on the advice of his close collaborators. Due to the financial challenges the Archdiocese has been facing for several years now, we are forced to temporarily lay off some of our valued employees.

Matured in prayer and discernment, this decision has not been taken lightly. It represents a last resort, as we must ensure the long-term viability of Diocesan Services, which support the Archbishop's ministry and are therefore at your service, for the mission of evangelization that the Lord entrusts to all the faithful of His Church.

The temporary layoffs affect some twenty employees, and will take effect late today, Friday November 3. They were notified this morning. We expect this situation to last at least five (5) months. We want you to know that these employees are dedicated members of our team and that we deeply appreciate their contribution.

We understand that this news can be destabilizing for the employees affected by these measures, for their co-workers in the diocesan services, and for our diocesan community as a whole. It will of course have an impact on the usual support that pastoral communities expect from us. However, despite our reduced services, which will now be focused on the most essential activities of a diocesan Curia, we will be particularly careful not to let your inquiries and requests go unanswered.

As soon as possible, we'll let you know more details about the temporary re-organization of our services, and who you should contact for your specific needs. We realize that the announcement of these measures may give rise to concerns and questions; we encourage you to share these with us.

Over the coming weeks and months, we will be actively working to improve our financial situation, while reflecting, in the longer term, on the reconfiguration of our Diocesan Services. We are seeking innovative ways to enable us, with reduced resources, to effectively support our Archbishop and thus contribute with him to the mission of our Church, in the Greater Montreal area. We promise to keep you informed of the progress of our efforts in this direction.

In the meantime, we ask for your understanding and support during this period of uncertainty. As a diocesan community, let us resolve to get through these difficult times together, in solidarity and prayer. We at "2000" hope you will continue to support us, and keep us in your prayers. We will keep you in ours!

In Jesus the Savior, our Joy and our Hope,

†Alain Faubert, VG, 

Charles Langlois, PSS, VG

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For more information, please contact us at: communications@diocesemontreal.org