Local churches, schools could be affected

As Catholic churches across Nassau and Suffolk try to prepare for what could be the loss of 1,500 jobs via buyout, parishes in Franklin Square and Elmont are taking a hard look at their own payrolls.

In Franklin Square, St. Catherine of Sienna Roman Catholic Church has already had to face difficult financial choices, according to the Rev. Richard Figliozzi.

"[The buyout] is not as much something new here. The parish had to confront this situation earlier," Figliozzi said. "We've been proceeding along these lines for the last year and a half."

Figliozzi, who has been the pastor for St. Catherine's for more than a year, said the parish was facing dire financial straits when he arrived, and was forced to streamline about 18 months ago. Because of the choices made then, he said, the church is in a better situation now.

"We right-sized our parish staff last year," he said. "So we're in very good shape at this time."

He did say, however, that the parish school could potentially see some teachers who accept the diocesan buyout. If that happens, the school would be forced to find some alternatives.

"Obviously, if some teachers do accept it we'll have to look into finding some replacements," he said. "We'll know better in about a month and a half, but I'm confident, whatever the situation, that we'll be able to give children a strong educational experience."

In Elmont, Deacon Irwin Saffran, outreach director of faith formation, of St. Vincent De Paul Roman Catholic Church, said the parish is uncertain as of yet who on their staff would accept the buyout, if anyone.

Regardless of the staffing situation, however, he said St. Vincent's is committed to being a pillar of strength to Elmont's Catholic residents.

"We always have the best interest of our parishioners at heart, that's why the parish exists," he said. "That's going to continue into the future."