Diocesan Restructuring

Map of the Catholic dioceses of Springfield's parishes and schools.

Planning for a Missional Church

Prompted by clergy shortages, cultural secularization, and changing demographics, many Catholic dioceses are examining the long-term viability of individual parishes, particularly in areas with a high density of churches per area and population.

The Stakes

These diocesan studies, which often result in groupings, consolidations, and outright closure of churches and schools, are accompanied from beginning to end by matters of real estate: from the challenges of maintaining historic structures to the opportunities presented by underused buildings or parking lots.

While the goals of such restructurings are to provide for a vibrant future for the parishes and schools that remain, decision-makers are limited in their ability to predict the success of consolidated parishes and schools, to measure the holistic impact of closures, and to evaluate the trade-offs that different strategies entail.

Upstream of restructuring processes, dioceses and parishes also frequently miss opportunities for proactive stewardship of the land and buildings that support (or burden) their communities. 

Emerging Questions:

  • Do parish groupings and closures track with broader spatial, demographic, and market trends?
  • Can a better understanding of real estate risks and opportunities inform proactive, community-centered stewardship of disused or underused church assets?
  • How do diocesan decision-making processes engage community stakeholders?