Why is there only one priest at St. Elizabeth?
The number of priests assigned to a parish is based on five sacramental statistics. These are baptisms, first communions, and confirmations (children only), marriages and funerals. A four year average is calculated for each parish. The proportion of this parish average to the Diocesan wide average is then applied to the number of active priests in the Diocese. Unique situations must also be considered. These would include the need for priests who speak a particular language used in the area or the age or health of the assigned priests. As of July, 2002, there were less than 300 active priests in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. There are 134 parishes in the Diocese. There are now 45 one-priest parishes, one third of the parishes. Extern priests are not included in this figure. An extern priest is a priest from another diocese serving in the local diocese. If an extern priest wishes to become a permanent member of the Diocese, he must receive permission from his home diocese and be acce
