New Jersey’s most prominent Catholic official said he is slowing down — but not stopping — a review launched last year that could result in consolidating or closing parishes.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of the Archdiocese of Newark told parishioners in a letter Wednesday that “there is no need to fear that an immediate and wholesale closure of parishes will be announced” when he provides an update in June.
“Because I have heard you, we are adjusting our path — but not our purpose,” Tobin wrote in acknowledging “fear, uncertainty and resistance” from some parishioners…