In January 2026, over 170 priests from across the archdiocese gathered for several days of prayer, discernment, and strategic discussion to develop the first round of restructuring models. Each model includes potential groupings of parishes within a particular geographic area. These groupings—called pastorates—may consist of one or more canonical parishes, or they may include parishes that merge into one parish while maintaining one or more church buildings. This spring, every parish will host two listening sessions where the first draft of pastorate models will be presented. Our parish listening sessions are scheduled for June 2 and June 4 at 7:00 - 9:00 PM in the Church. You may RSVP for one of these sessions at restructuring.aod.org (HERE). These sessions will give you the opportunity to review the models developed by our priests and to share your feedback on the proposed pastorates. After feedback is gathered from every parish, many of the models may be revised. Ultimately, Archbishop Weisenburger will prayerfully discern the refined models before determining the future structure of the Archdiocese, which will take effect beginning in July 2027. Please take time to review our Parish Workbook fully before attending. Every parish in the Archdiocese of Detroit will undergo some degree of change as a result of this process. As you consider these changes,you're encouraged to view them as opportunities to re-envision how we minister to the people we serve. Given the upcoming structural shifts and the decreasing number of priests assigned to each pastorate, many parishes will experience adjustments to their Mass schedules. In some cases, this will mean a reduction in the number of Masses offered at a particular location. These changes will help ensure that priests have adequate time to travel between sites and remain available and present to their parish communities. Changes in Mass times, while challenging, will also present opportunities to welcome new faces, strengthen ministries, and collaborate more intentionally within our pastorate. Parish staff members may see shifts in responsibilities as new teams are formed, but they will also gain opportunities to work together in creative and innovative ways across parish boundaries. The vision amidst this is to havevibrant parishes, flourishing priests, and to be mission ready. The thought of change can be difficult, especially when it touches our spiritual homes, our priests, and the community members we hold dear. Yet be assured that through every change and challenge, God is with us. He is inviting us to lay down our own desires and fears so that we can receive new and hopeful opportunities to renew the Church here in southeastern Michigan. Let us come to these sessions not ready to fight, argue, or insist that we are exempt from change. Instead, let us come with docility to the Holy Spirit—with open hearts and open hands—ready to receive what the Lord desires to give, ready to serve in whatever ways we are called, and always entrusting this important work to the Holy Spirit. |
