Donations down, diocese cuts jobs ( even churchs are laying off)

[Florida_Geek]

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/03/09/Tampabay/Donations_down__dioce.shtml

Religion
Donations down, diocese cuts jobs
The Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg blames a lackluster economy.
By SHARON TUBBS, Times Staff Writer
Published March 9, 2004

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ST. PETERSBURG - After three years of declining contributions, the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg is planning to substantially cut administrative jobs in an attempt to preserve programs.

A severance package has been offered to all of the diocese's 120 full- and part-time employees at its pastoral center in St. Petersburg. The diocese has 75 parishes and 380,000 parishioners in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.

The administrative employees have until 5 p.m. Wednesday to decide whether to take the offer, which was initially made last month
..end of cut...

[sable302]

1. sad thing is

Many here will take it as an opportunity to jump and cheer.