Welcome to the Department of Property and Assets, one of many ministries supporting the Administrative organization in the Archdiocese of Hartford. We help parishes implement strategic plans for their property.
At the time of our formation, we quickly assumed the role of supporting the ongoing Pastoral Planning of the Archdiocese of Hartford. The closing of 27 church buildings presented the clear requirement for providing real estate advisory services to parishes.
As parishes continue to assess their property, high priorities emerge relating to the buildings and assets remaining on their campuses. As natural outgrowths of our charter, the DPA plays an increasing role in supporting and guiding parishes through the complexities of property ownership, offering advisory services in property management and risk management. We also continue to explore the area of energy conservation initiatives in support of the Archdiocesan goals for a vibrant and sustainable future.
In the Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis urged the entire Church “to embark on a new chapter of evangelism,” thereby realizing “a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything.” Prophetically, this message coincided with the installation in October 2013 of the 5th Archbishop of Hartford, Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, S.T.D.
Responding to this Papal message and following the lead of Archbishop Blair, the Archdiocese undertook a rigorous study of the resources available to serve the spiritual needs of its parishioners and move our communities of faith forward towards the next century. This Pastoral Planning included a realistic comparison of our material resources compared to our spiritual resources, the priests tending the flock. A clear albeit complex path emerged: reduce the number of buildings and combine parishes into new, consolidated faith communities.
Enter the Department of Property and Assets (DPA), formed in July 2016 as an outgrowth of the rigorous Pastoral Planning effort throughout the Archdiocese.
The Department of Property and Assets participates fully in the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of the Archdiocese. We take joy in supporting parishes as they implement their own decisions about their property.
For example, in July of 2017 there were 27 churches that were closed. As a result of this, parishes wrestled with difficult issues relating to the best use of their property. With DPA’s assistance, these communities of faith followed through on their local decisions. As a result of such sales, a parish gains the opportunity to consolidate resources, realign a strategic plan, and improve financial health. Resolving the “brick and mortar” issues frees the way towards cultivating “spiritual vitality.”
Our ministry also revolves around the idea that the future roots itself in the past, a principle well-treasured in the Catholic tradition. In a very practical sense, this means that buildings and assets deemed viable and central to parish life need to be maintained and improved. As a natural outgrowth of our charter, we collaborate with parishes in the ongoing preventive maintenance and repair of buildings.
Honoring the past especially relates to sacred and religious goods ensconced in churches, convents and chapels. These goods need to be respectfully considered during the process of renovating, selling or leasing property. This part of our ministry recognizes the intersection of the civil and canon law. Fortunately, we work closely with our attorneys and the Judicial Vicar in this arena.
As individuals and as a team, the DPA remains grateful to Archbishop Blair for entrusting us with our role in securing our future and preserving our patrimony.
The Department of Property and Assets works as a team managing projects involving the maintenance, improvement, lease and sale of buildings and land as needed by our parishes and the Archdiocese. We also work as individual contributors on special projects.
Paul Connery enjoys a long history with the Archdiocese, having served as General Manager of the former Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary (now the Pastoral Center in Bloomfield) before taking on his present position, Director of Property and Assets. He oversees the operations of the department, working closely with other ministries such as Pastoral Planning. Although he travels throughout the state of Connecticut, you might spot him inspecting light in unusual settings such as the top of the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Paul Connery
Director of Property and Assets
860-242-5573 ext. 3161
paul.connery@aohct.org
Chris Kelly joined the department in 2019 as Project Manager, bringing to the team an extensive background in construction, real estate, and budgeting. In addition to managing real estate projects, he specializes in risk management and property management. Chris takes particular interest in helping parishes manage their property and resources effectively and efficiently within budgetary constraints. He thrives on his “hands on” approach and can frequently be spotted in a basement by an oil burner or on a roof inspecting antique tiles.
Chris Kelly
Project Manager
860-242-5573 ext. 3129
chris.kelly@aohct.org
Joanne Reilly, Property and Assets Manager, has served the Archdiocese in several roles before joining Property and Assets in its infancy in 2017. Earlier in her career, she developed concentrations in communications, systems, and process improvement. Joanne divides her energy managing real estate projects, enhancing the department database, and creating our web presence. She also cultivates a keen interest in the disposition of sacred and religious goods. Although she enjoys analyzing our processes back in the office, you might also find her taking a hike through the wetlands.
Joanne Reilly
Property and Assets Manager
860-242-5573 ext. 3144
joanne.reilly@aohct.org
Typical of many start-up organizations, the DPA understood the charter, but needed a roadmap for accomplishing the mission.
To support our environment of change, DPA identified six precepts for guiding the new department. These guiding principles keep us grounded as we respond flexibly to a wide variety and high volume of requests for our advisory services. Over time, we came to realize that this is just the way we work.
Build collaborative relationships. Partner with stakeholders, including pastors, legal team, judicial vicar, finance office, parish administrators, brokers, appraisers, insurance office, and evaluators of sacred and religious goods.
Measure outcomes. Create a baseline and subscribe to continuous improvement.
Standardize repeatable steps. This is the key to managing high volume, complex phases of a process.
Maintain an advisory role. Individual parish corporations own property. We advise pastors about their property, but they and their advisors make their own decisions within their purview.
Conform to the business environment. Both civil and canon law apply to the activities of the Roman Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Hartford within that body. Secular and spiritual requirements envelop decisions about Church property. This unique context commands respect and consideration during all phases of transactions and agreements.
“Make it our own.” Research yields valuable information, but operations, documents, and processes in the Archdiocese of Hartford need to be particular to our local environment under the guidance of Archbishop Coyne and his designated advisors.
