Chaz Muth • Catholic News Service • Posted September 3, 2011

PHILADELPHIA (CNS) —When Nancy Frankowski walks to church, she is confronted with scaffolding covering much of her beloved Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul so that workers can refresh the exterior of Philadelphia’s 147-year-old Catholic structure.

While it’s a temporary eyesore, the Philadelphia Catholic says she is looking forward to seeing the building restored to its original grandeur. She is also looking for a renovation of sorts for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia when it welcomes Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, formerly of Denver, who succeeds the retiring Cardinal Justin Rigali Sept. 8.

A fresh face at the helm may provide the spiritual lift that is needed in an Archdiocese that has been rocked by a child-abuse scandal and indictments, Frankowski said following a 12:05 p.m. Tuesday Mass. “I think it will be good for Philadelphia.”

A change in leadership can provide a psychological boost to every diocese and archdiocese, said Father Dennis Gill, director of the Office for Divine Worship in the Archdiocese.

Archbishop Chaput’s appointment to Philadelphia comes as the Archdiocese is still reeling from a scathing grand jury report released in February. It accused the Archdiocese of failing to stop priests from sexually abusing children even after a previous report had called attention to problems

At the grand jury’s recommendation, two priests, a layman and a former priest were charged with criminal counts related to abuse of juveniles. Another priest was charged with endangering child welfare for his role in assigning the accused priests.

In response, the Archdiocese has taken actions that include hiring a former child abuse prosecutor to review the cases.

Cardinal Rigali also placed more than two dozen priests on administrative leave while allegations against them are reviewed.

“It has been a very difficult period, that’s true,” Father Gill said. “There’s been a lot of pain, in so many different ways during this period.”

A different leader will also provide a fresh perspective when dealing with the challenges that face the archdiocese, said Michele Meiers, an administrator for the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Meiers said employees throughout the archdiocese have expressed excitement about the changing of the guard.

It’s not that they have been unhappy with the leadership of Cardinal Rigali, but a change at this time offers everyone a clean slate, she said.

Even Catholic dioceses that are not in the midst of scandal and are led by much-beloved leaders experience jubilation when a new prelate is welcomed.

“It’s something that is part of the constitution of the Church that we will always have bishops, shepherds to guide and keep us in the way of Christ,” he said. “The newness is the new person. The ministry remains the same.”