Last Friday, May 9, for the first time in anyone’s memory, the Archdiocese of Denver made a significant reduction in staff through a reorganization. Some 30 positions were affected. It was a very difficult experience for everyone involved. As the work of the Church goes forward, I'd like to share with the people of the archdiocese the reasons why we needed to take this course.

Despite a tough economy over the last few years, Catholics across northern Colorado have remained generous to the Church. Even last year's national misconduct scandal, with its lawsuits and heavy human and financial damage, had little impact here. Our people have continued to give generously -- clearly because the trust between our priests and people remains strong. We’ve also been blessed with several major donations. But while our financial support has continued to grow modestly, the cost of doing our daily work has grown much more rapidly. The major gifts we've received can't be used for day to day operations because donors have designated them for very specific projects.

As a result, we’ve supported our ministries and our staff for some time by underwriting our work through our available cash and investment reserves. In the short term, this can be a good strategy. With the on-going pressure on the Colorado and national economy, though, coupled with a decline in our investment returns, we’ve reached a point where we can’t afford to continue to subsidize our ministries in this manner.

With every annual budget, we try very seriously to balance our support for our employees, the needs of our ministries and good financial stewardship for the people of the archdiocese. It's the people in the pews who provide us with nearly all our resources by sacrificing their own needs. I owe them -- I owe you -- my best effort to protect and grow the resources of the Church so her work can continue.

In good economic times, that's easier than others. As I said last December in our annual archdiocesan financial report in the Denver Catholic Register, the resources of our Church remain sound. A lot of good people work very hard to make that happen. I have the responsibility to make sure it continues, even when it requires hard decisions. I want to assure you that our severance support for the good men and women whose jobs ended Friday is generous. That’s consistent with their dignity and service. They deserve it. It's also consistent with the identity of the Church. I am very well aware of the impact this reduction in force will have on people’s lives. If there were another way, I would choose it. Delaying this difficult decision though would have only placed more of the Church’s work, and even more of her employees, at risk.

In my six years as archbishop, this is the hardest action I’ve taken. It's a painful moment for our former staff members, their families, and for all of us who know them as friends. We'll miss the service of many good people. But I believe this is the only responsible course. The men and women who do the daily work of the Church will continue to carry her witness into the world, no matter what the challenges. That won't change.