Revised parish bylaws to be presented at October 2016 Diocesan Assembly
CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] — In a letter to all rectors and parish council members dated July 12, 2016, Archpriest John Zdinak, Chancellor of the Diocese of the Midwest, announced that the task force charged with revising the diocese’s “Standard Parish Bylaws” has completed its task, and that its draft will be presented at the forthcoming Diocesan Assembly in October 2016.
“At the All-American Council convened in Atlanta, a new and revised Statute was presented and adopted near unanimously,” Father John wrote. “In light of the new Statute, Bishop Paul appointed a ‘task force’ to revise the ‘Standard Parish Bylaws’ for the Diocese of the Midwest. The last revision of the current ‘bylaws’ was during the time of Bishop Boris, of blessed memory. The ‘task force’ has done due diligence and presented the revised version to the Diocesan Council which, in turn, is presenting the new Statute to the upcoming Diocesan Assembly for adoption. This will be a major item on the upcoming Assembly Agenda. The expectation is that after adoption by the Assembly, parishes will then be expected to adopt them and replace their current bylaws. In this manner all parishes will be in conformance with the current OCA Statute.
“With this in mind, we have placed the proposed bylaws on the diocesan web site,” Father John continued. “We ask that all parishes study and review them in preparation for their presentation at the Assembly.”
Comments or questions regarding the proposed bylaws may be sent to Archpriest Alexander Garklavs, task force leader, at garklavs@verizon.net.
