Incoming Bishop Mark O'Connell weighs in on former St. Clare's Hospital staff losing pensions

Albany, NY (News10) — The Catholic Diocese of Albany announced its 11^th Bishop, Bishop Mark O’Connell, from Boston. He’s stepping in during a time when the Church is dealing with challenges including the closure of St. Clare’s Hospital, which left nearly 1,000 of its former employees without their pensions.

In a press conference Bishop O’Connell said that while the church has many challenges, they also “have an opportunity to gain trust.” 

Mary Hartshorne is a lifelong Catholic who says her trust has been broken since losing her pension.

“We were promised each year when they said they couldn’t give us a raise because if we got a raise then our fellow workers would be laid off,” Hartshorne said. “But they’d say, ‘but don’t forget, we always have that pension for you. It’s guaranteed.’ That was a lie.”

Hartshorne said the loss has affected people’s ability to pay their bills. 

“Some of us have lost our homes and had to either rent from somebody else or live with a family member,” she said.

When asked how he might address those who’ve lost their pensions, O’Connell said it’s an important question, but he needs to learn more about the situation.

“I have to hear people first. I know it exists, I know it’s important,” he said. “So, I will do my best to learn about it and will be back in touch. I’m confident that we can do what is right with God’s help.”

“I don’t understand where a new bishop could step in and make any difference at all unless he’s got a whole lot of money or some other magical solution,” Hartshorn said.

Hartshorne is gearing up for a trial against the Diocese in November.  O’Connell acknowledged that times are difficult for the church and its members right now and that he wants to, “focus on getting through what we have to get through. But let me tell you that I have experience and competence and joy to lead the recovery.”

Hartshorne says while it’s hard to trust, she believes the incoming bishop deserves a fair chance to prove himself. 

“Maybe he will bring some good things, some light into our lives,” she said.