Pittsburgh Diocese eliminating positions, moving offices as it struggles with financial impact of covid-19

The Diocese of Pittsburgh cited ongoing challenges caused by the covid-19 pandemic as reasons for staff layoffs and the relocation of its central administration.

A staff realignment includes eliminating 11 positions and reducing hours for two positions, the diocese said in a news release Tuesday.

Diocesan operations are being moved from the Pastoral Center on the Boulevard of the Allies in Downtown Pittsburgh to St. Paul Seminary on Noblestown Road.

Staff changes take effect Aug. 1. The move to Saint Paul Seminary — said to be the only diocesan property that can accommodate all employees — will be a gradual transfer over the next six months, expected to be finished by Dec. 31.

Bishop David Zubik and members of his senior team shared the information with staff members and clergy in online conferences Tuesday afternoon.

The diocese said the pandemic exacerbated a long-term decline in Mass attendance and donations. Diocesan churches were closed on March 13.

The diocese warned that other measures may be required to reduce and manage costs.

“Bishops across the United States are dealing with the same issues, but that doesn’t make this any easier,” Zubik said in the statement. “Nobody is exempt from the fall out of the virus. All of our lives have been dramatically changed.”

Chief Financial Officer David Misch noted other actions taken to reduce costs, including:

• Creating a project management team to assess ongoing issues and identify cost-saving options.

• Guiding parishes through cost-reduction strategies, and the process to support them by accessing potential government relief.

• Creating a committee to address financial issues related to schools.

• Reviewing government programs to determine the potential for emergency aid, and obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program loan for the diocese, which provided temporary funding to keep people employed.

• Establishing a coronavirus emergency relief fund to provide financial support to employees of parishes’ Catholic schools.

The realignment comes on the same day diocesan officials announced they received a $2.5 million Paycheck Protection Program loan to fund payroll for employees.

The federal monies enabled the diocese to avoid, delay and lessen furloughs or staffing reductions in parishes and schools.

Officials said no PPP proceeds were used to fund the Independent Reconciliation Compensation Program for survivors of clergy sexual abuse or other legal settlements.

There 124 diocesan entities that received loans totalling between $13 million and $14 million.

They include 110 parishes, eight high schools, four elementary schools and two regions which encompass 14 elementary schools.

“As Catholics, we are committed to being good stewards of the resources God makes available to us,” said Misch. “We greatly appreciated the opportunity for federal help to keep people employed so that they may continue to serve and support our parishes, schools, and families, especially the most vulnerable.”