Understanding the rationale behind Beacons of Light
There are many factors which, when taken together, diminish parish life.
Click here to download the full Current Reality report, or scroll down to read highlights of the facts and figures assembled in the report.
Total Population of the Archdiocese
Declining birth rate, flat population growth
Live births have been declining or flat for many years and into the foreseeable future leading to a projected population growth that is relatively flat and not evenly distributed across our 19 counties.
Registered Catholic Households
Religious practice is declining nationwide
Fewer people are actively engaged in their faith.
210 Total Parishes
Our infrastructure was built for a different era
As a result, most of our church buildings are grossly underutilized and many of our parishes are not the vibrant communities of faith Catholics need them to be.
Diocesan Priests Available for Assignment
Our priests are stretched to the limit
The number of available priests is increasingly declining due to aging and retirements. Out of necessity, priests are appointed as pastors sooner than is optimal.
