Diocesan Planning finishes its 12th year with 99 parishes and 62 pastors, which include two Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and one parochial vicar as assistant.  85% of our parishes are currently sharing a pastor, with 14 of our parishes now merged. View Diocesan Planning 2011

In May, 2010, 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. In 2011 pastors and selected parishioners met in deaneries to discuss effective placements of pastors as current numbers of pastors (62) diminish to approximately 40 pastors. The Diocesan Planning Committee reviewed their comments, as we prepare now to bring still another 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.