Preamble: At the start of the collaboration that would become the Holy Saints Area Catholic Community,
three diocesan priests served the ACC’s parishes. Ensuing years saw two transfers and one
retirement, such that now only two priests serve the five parishes of the ACC. Further, due to
declining enrollment that presented financial challenges to the institutions, two of the three
parochial schools in the ACC have had to close. Nevertheless, despite these challenges and
seeming instability, collaboration in the ACC has shown an increase in youth participation,
especially through a religious education program. Likewise, the ACC presented bold plans for a
promising future. In accord with this plan and to strive for a future of holiness and grace, I issue
this decree, which contains a number of decisions and precepts drawn from the ACC’s plan but
chiefly enacts the merger of the parishes of Holy Cross in Marty, St. Wendelin in Luxemburg,
and St. Mary Help of Christians in St. Augusta into one new parish, combining the churches,
territories, assets, rights, and obligations of all.