Catholic diocese eliminates 6 jobs

The Diocese of Colorado Springs has cut six staff positions at the Catholic Pastoral Center because of budget shortfalls, a diocese leader said Monday.

Departments within the diocese have also been consolidated and restructured.

By January, the diocese was aware that it faced a shortfall of $500,000 for its budget for the fiscal year ending June 30.

To help balance the budget, the diocese froze its payroll, cut in half its mileage reimbursement for traveling staffers and ended airline travel.

But the shortfall proved too great, and on Jan. 26 five employees were told they would be laid off and a sixth position would not be filled after the employee retires in April, said Doug Flinn, general counsel and chief of staff for the diocese.

All employees affected have or will receive a severance package. With six positions axed, the diocese staff be at about 35, Flinn said.