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Understanding

“Radiate Christ. These two words summarize God the Father’s hope for humanity on this earth. The words contain both a reality and a mission: the reality of the person of Jesus Christ as the Savior of all people and the mission of each Christian to participate in the Son’s redemption of the world.”

— Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, Radiate Christ

Becoming People Who

Radiate Christ

If each of us is called to radiate Christ, we must be rooted in a strong, vital parish that forms us as disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ at every stage of life and faith.

THE CURRENT REALITY

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.

More Questions?

Share additional questions below. Return to this page often for additional responses to frequently asked questions.