Sixteen of the 50 positions on the staff of the Diocese of Massachusetts have been eliminated by the Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, S.S.J.E., Bishop Coadjutor of Massachusetts.

Bishop Shaw made the announcement Jan. 13 and said among the positions to be eliminated would be the canon for congregations, assistant for deployment, assistant for congregational development, youth missioner, director of Christian education, director of communications and the insurance administrator.

"I have been thinking about the changes we need to make our ministries together stronger and more effective," said Bishop Shaw, who was elected last March. "From the discussions with clergy and laity all over the diocese, I believe we need to take a more pastoral and less 'program' approach to diocesan ministry.

"I would like the diocese to try a new model with a smaller staff, organized so as to provide pastoral support to clergy and congregations, and each with skills in a number of different areas so as to be able to respond to changing needs and opportunities in congregations."

Bishop Shaw said a new senior staff of seven will report directly to him, including four new positions to be created: canon to the ordinary, archdeacon, vicar for the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, and missioner for youth, education and conferences. Four other positions of specialized ministry also will be filled.

"This was a very difficult and painful thing to have to do," Bishop Shaw said. "The 16 people without exception did wonderful, dedicated work for the people of this diocese. There is no question that their loss will be felt.

"But, especially in these times of severely limited budgetary resources, we must look for new approaches in diocesan ministry."