Business & Tech

Third Party Management Sought for Resurrection Cemetery

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is taking steps to stabilize its financial troubles with plans to sell nursing homes and acquire outsourced management deals for its 11 cemeteries.

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The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced plans to seek outsourced management agreements for each if its 11 cemeteries, including Resurrection Cemetery on Hulmeville Road in Bensalem.

A press release from the archdiocese notes that the cemeteries will not be sold. Any potential arrangement would result in the Archdiocese retaining ownership while outsourcing management and operations, which would still be conducted in a manner consistent with Catholic values and the core mission of the cemeteries.

Cemeteries overseen by parishes would not be affected as they are operated at the local level. The archdiocese says every effort will also be made to ensure continued employment for those currently working within the system. 

The affected properties include:

  • All Souls Cemetery, Coatesville (Chester County)
  • Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken (Montgomery County) 
  • Cathedral Cemetery, Philadelphia
  • New Cathedral Cemetery, Philadelphia 
  • Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon (Delaware County) 
  • Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Philadelphia
  • Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery, Linwood (Delaware County) 
  • Saint John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont
  • Saint Michael Cemetery, Chester (Delaware County) 
  • Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield (Delaware County) 
Additionally, All Saints Cemetery in Newtown and Holy Savior Cemetery are not currently active cemeteries, but sites designated for future use. They would also be affected.

The move continues the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's ongoing efforts to reign in its financial struggles. According to the press release, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia published in July audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012. The financial statements disclosed a $39.2 million operating deficit for that period as well as several very significant and ongoing balance sheet issues that measure in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

The archdiocese also plans to market for sale seven nursing homes operated under Catholic Health Services organization. Those properties include:
  • Immaculate Mary Home, Philadelphia
  • Villa Saint Martha, Downingtown (Chester County)
  • Saint Francis Country House, Darby (Delaware County) 
  • Saint John Neumann Home, Philadelphia 
  • Saint Martha Manor, Downingtown (Chester County)
  • Saint Mary Manor, Lansdale (Montgomery County)
  • Saint Monica Manor, Philadelphia
“Our difficult financial situation must be addressed and the actions that we need to take may be painful ones," said Archbishop Charles Chaput in a statement. "I understand this fact fully, but it is of critical importance that we rebuild our financial foundation so that we can continue our collective good works." 

Beginning last summer, a series of steps were taken to begin to remedy Archdiocesan fiscal challenges. The Archbishop’s residence along with a property in Ventnor, New Jersey, were both sold to provide necessary immediate cash flow.

Many other actions followed including a reduction of 25 percent of the workforce at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in order to stem the operating deficit. Additionally, an evaluation of various real estate assets and operating entities was undertaken. 

In 2012, the archdiocese announced plans to close 44 elementary schools and four high schools. After an appeals process, 18 elementary schools and the four high schools, including Conwell-Egan in Levittown, got a reprieve and remained open. 

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