Manchester Parishes to Consolidate Pastors

In Manchester, parishioners and their pastors have come up with a way to improve efficiency and cut costs without closing any of their four churches.

Starting on July 30th, the four parishes in Manchester will be served by two pastors. Five priests in total will serve the needs of the Catholic community there.

Father Steven Sledesky will preside over St. Bridget’s Church and St. Bartholomew’s Church, while Father Kevin Cavanaugh will take charge of St. James’ Church and Assumption Church. Father Tom Sievel will be relocated to East Haven.

Plans for this restructuring have been in the works for more than 5 years. Church officials are stressing that the parishes are not merging. They are simply sharing a pastor.