The Catholic Diocese of Lansing has announced that Cristo Rey Community Center will not merge with St Vincent Catholic Charities. A period of study has confirmed that the best way to serve the needs of the community is to keep the charities as separate organizations.
Throughout this process, Bishop Earl Boyea has emphasized the importance of maintaining the distinctive presence of Cristo Rey Community Center. At the same time, the Bishop is committed to good stewardship of limited resources, and to finding the best way to serve persons in need throughout the area.
After prayer and reflection by all concerned, the Bishop has asked Father Fred Thelen, pastor of Cristo Rey Parish, to assume a greater role in the governance of Cristo Rey Community Center. Father Thelen has agreed to do so. The Parish and the Center will likewise remain as separate organizations, but under the shared leadership of Father Thelen.
Cristo Rey Community Center has been served by an interim executive director, and by a board of directors who have generously served for many years. In the weeks to come, Father Thelen will begin the process of renewing the board of directors and of hiring an executive director. Father Thelen is asking the community to pray with Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, that Our Lord will grant the wisdom and grace to make wise selections.
As indicated, Bishop Boyea has been steadfast in his support for Cristo Rey Community Center: "We see every day, in the person of our beloved Pope Francis, the joy of the Christian life. We give glory to God in our worship, and we give glory to God as we care for the poor and the vulnerable. As Our Lord has made clear, to care for those in need is to care for Christ himself."