Why is the Archdiocese of Detroit restructuring its parishes? How is feedback from parishioners being used? And what can Catholics expect in the months ahead?
Fr. Tim Birney, vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Archdiocese of Detroit, sits down with members of the Department of Parish Renewal for a candid, in-depth conversation about the restructuring process.
Fr. Mario Amore, director of parish renewal, joins Nicole Joyce, director of missionary identity and accompaniment, and Travis Greer, director of pastoral strategies, to discuss what emerged from more than 400 parish listening sessions and an online survey, how draft pastorate models are being refined, concerns about parish identity and Mass schedules, and what comes next.
The conversation also explores the broader purpose of restructuring: ensuring that local priests, parishes, and people are equipped to carry out the Church's mission for generations to come.
Learn more at restructuring.aod.org.
Topics in this video
(0:00) Introduction
(3:58) What concerns and hopes have been shared?
(8:27) What's being done with the feedback from the faithful?
(12:00) How can we balance data with understanding parish life?
(16:15) How can the people of God be there for one another amid restructuring?
(19:20) Why are the majority of priests being reassigned?
(27:34) How can the new pastorates help priests avoid burnout?
(30:24) How are pastorate locations being considered?
(33:18) How is access to the sacraments being prioritized?
(37:36) How can the restructuring strengthen pastoral ministry?
(39:48) How can we address fears over the loss of parish identity?
(45:20) What comes next in the restructuring process?
(49:48) What is the archdiocese doing about evangelization?
(52:47) What are some signs of hope for the Church in Detroit?
(57:32) Closing prayer
