2002

1st March 2002
Ministries to Hunter Italian Community to be handed over to Diocese
After 46 years of faithful service to the Hunter community, particularly the Italian community, the Scalabrinian Fathers - a Catholic order of priests - will withdraw their services in April 2002 and hand over their ministries to the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

In a letter distributed to the diocesan community (dated 28th February 2002), Fr Anthony Fregolent, Provincial Superior of the Scalabrinian Congregation, and the Most Reverend Michael Malone, Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle said: "we write to advise of an important but regrettable decision which will touch the lives of many in Newcastle, particularly the Italian community, in light of the long-standing relationship and cooperation which there has been between the Scalabrinians and our diocesan clergy and people.

The letter said: "Following a consultation of all the religious at the Annual Assembly of the Scalabrini Congregation", Fr Fregolent advised Bishop Malone "of the decision to terminate the Scalabrinian Chaplaincy to the Italian speaking people in the diocese and to the Stella Maris as from 14 April 2002."

"During the last 46 years the Scalabrinians have walked with the Italians of Newcastle in the difficult early years of their settlement and in the maturity of the community, during which they have won the respect and admiration of the people of Newcastle and beyond," the letter stated.

Fr Fregolent explained that the reasons for the decision to hand over the two chaplaincies to the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle were internal to their religious congregation: "shortage and ageing of personnel, and the shift of their involvement with migrant groups with greater pastoral needs," he said.

Bishop Malone said that he was aware of the increasing demands being made on the fewer resources available to religious congregations. "The diocese is most appreciative of the continuous attention and support given by the Scalabrinian Missionaries since 1956 who in turn appreciate the support which they received from the diocese," he said.

The letter concluded: "While saddened to have to pass on this information, we trust that those affected will be understanding of the reasons behind the decision."

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