Diocesan Planning finishes its 10th year with 105 parishes and 67 pastors, which include two Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, five parochial vicars as assistants and one Pastoral Delegate/Parish Life Coordinator.  85% of our parishes are currently sharing a pastor, with 11 of our parishes now merged.

In May, 2008, our priests met at their annual presbyteral assembly to review previous planning steps and suggest new possibilities for restructuring, as we move into an exciting but challenging future with fewer priests.  The Diocesan Planning Committee is currently reviewing their comments, as we prepare to bring this new phase of the planning process to parishioners for additional suggestions.

One important aspect of planning for the future of our parishes is the availability of qualified personnel.  Our diocese has many religious, deacons, pastoral associates, DRE’s and Youth ministers, as well as over 700 certified lay ministers.  Thanks to the Reiss Foundation and its grant, our diocese has been able to assist some of these people and their parishes as they have studied in their various programs.  Planning for advanced training for parish leadership is now underway and we hope to be able to share further information in the near future.