The Deacon's Bench
That’s the assessment of my blog neighbor Kathy Schiffer, who spoke at length with Newark’s Jim Goodness regarding the controversy swirling about the archbishop’s new retirement home.
The archdiocese earlier this week posted a statement on its website.
Kathy elaborates, and answers some questions:
WHY DOES ONE RETIRED MAN REQUIRE SUCH A SPACIOUS FACILITY?
He’s got to live somewhere! Archbishop Myers, after a lifetime of service to the Church, owns no personal property. Upon his retirement, he will move from the cathedral to a private home which will be provided for his use. The Archdiocese will retain ownership of the property, which may be sold in the future, should needs change.
The archbishop currently lives in the cathedral rectory with four other priests; and it seems likely that this new residence will also have more than one tenant, although no plans have been announced as yet.
In addition to private quarters, there is a need for space for meetings, social gatherings, and archdiocesan and other church functions. Archbishop Myers holds a number of posts within the Church, and he expects to remain active in these and other positions. For example, he serves on the board of the Catholic University of America (CUA); and as a canon lawyer, he serves on the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts., an advisory board to the Holy Father on matters of canon law.
IS THE PROPERTY TRULY EXTRAVAGANT, AS ALLEGED?
According to the Star-Ledger, the 4,500-square-foot home sits on 8.2 wooded acres in the hills of Hunterdon County. It has five bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a three-car garage and a big outdoor pool. It’s valued at nearly $800,000, but it’s (snark brought to you by the Star-Ledger) “not quite roomy enough for Newark Archbishop John J. Myers.”
The planned 3,000-square-foot addition is intended to accommodate Archbishop Myers into retirement. He suffers from serious rheumatoid arthritis, and the new wing will include an indoor exercise pool, a therapeutic hot tub, and an elevator, as well as a library and substantial office and storage space. The Archbishop’s office in the original structure was downsized when an elevator was installed in that space; the new wing will once again provide the Archbishop adequate work and study space in the home.
WHAT WILL THE RENOVATION COST THE ARCHDIOCESE?
Quick answer: Nothing. The project is being funded solely by private contributions which have been donated for this purpose.
The home which is the subject of newspaper speculation was actually purchased by the Archdiocese of Newark twelve years ago, using proceeds from the sale in 2002 of a more expensive home on the Jersey Shore. The Jersey Shore home which was sold in 2002 had a greater value than does the home which is currently being renovated, even when one includes the cost of landscaping and furnishings.
That’s for starters.
Read the rest and draw your own conclusions.
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