Broader Context

Nationwide Reality

A Widespread Trend Across Dioceses

Across the United States, many Catholic dioceses have undertaken large-scale restructuring efforts over the past two decades.

These efforts commonly include:

Parish mergers into larger “families” or pastorates
Closure or consolidation of parish schools
Centralization of ministries and leadership structures

These changes are occurring simultaneously across many dioceses, often following structured “strategic planning” initiatives.

The Role of Strategic Planning Organizations

In many dioceses, these restructuring efforts are supported by national consulting organizations, including groups such as the Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI).

CLI provides:

Data-driven parish surveys (Disciple Maker Index)
Strategic planning frameworks
Visioning and leadership tools for dioceses and parishes

These tools are intended to help diocesan leadership identify priorities and plan for the future of parish life.

Observed Patterns Across Communities

While each diocese is considered unique, many communities across the country have observed similar patterns following these planning processes:

Large numbers of parishes combined into fewer administrative entities
Gradual reduction in the number of worship sites
Consolidation of schools and educational programs
Decision-making processes that feel distant from local parish input

In some dioceses, for example:

Hundreds of parishes have been grouped into significantly fewer “families”
Long-standing parish identities have been absorbed into larger regional structures

Community Experiences

Across articles, public discussions, and shared parish experiences, recurring themes often include:

Grief and loss of identity when historic parishes or schools close
Reduced accessibility, especially for elderly or rural parishioners
Disruption of long-standing faith communities
Questions regarding how decisions are made and communicated

For many, parish life is deeply personal—connected to sacraments, family milestones, and generations of faith. When these structures change, the impact can be both practical and deeply emotional.

Understanding the Rationale

These restructuring efforts are often explained through factors such as:

Declining Mass attendance and sacramental participation
A significant decline in priest vocations (nearly 40% fewer priests since 1970)
Rising operational and facility costs
Demographic shifts in Catholic populations

At the same time:

Catholic school enrollment has declined significantly over the past decade
Dozens of schools continue to close or consolidate annually

Transparency & Canonical Process

Access to Canonical Support

Within the Catholic Church, there are established structures not only for decision-making, but also for review, clarification, and appeal through canon law.
While many parishioners may not initially be aware of these processes, there are faithful organizations and professionals who assist the laity in understanding and navigating them.

Understanding the Appeal Process

Within the Catholic Church, decisions such as parish mergers or school closures can, under certain circumstances, be appealed through established processes in canon law.
However, across many communities, a recurring concern has been limited awareness and understanding of these rights among parishioners.

A Source of Tension

In various dioceses, parishioners have expressed that:

They were not fully informed about the existence or structure of canonical appeal options
The timeline for appeals can be complex, technical, and time-sensitive
The process itself can feel difficult to navigate without legal or canonical guidance

Because of this, some communities experience a sense of uncertainty regarding:

What options exist
When action must be taken
How to faithfully and properly respond within the Church

Complexity of Canon Law Procedures

The canonical appeal process often involves:

Formal written petitions
Strict deadlines
Specific procedural requirements
Review at diocesan and, in some cases, Vatican levels

For many lay faithful, this level of formality can be unfamiliar and challenging without assistance.

Impact on Communities

When parishioners feel unclear about their rights or responsibilities within this process, it can lead to:

Confusion or hesitation during critical decision periods
Limited participation in formal responses
A sense that decisions are difficult to influence or understand

These experiences have been shared by multiple parish communities navigating similar situations nationwide.

Canon Law Attorneys & Advisors

One such organization is The St. Joseph Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping lay Catholics understand and exercise their rights within the Church in a faithful and respectful manner.

The Foundation provides:

Guidance on canonical rights and processes
Assistance in preparing appeals
Support in navigating Church structures responsibly

Their mission is rooted in strengthening the relationship between the faithful and the Church through:

Education
Clarity
Fidelity to canon law

Their work reflects a belief that:

The laity have a meaningful role in the life of the Church
Proper process and understanding promote unity, not division

In addition to organizations like the St. Joseph Foundation, there are trained canon lawyers and advisors who specialize in Church law and assist individuals and communities. These professionals can help with:

Understanding rights under canon law
Preparing formal petitions or appeals
Ensuring processes are followed correctly and respectfully
Advising on timelines and procedural requirements

Because canon law processes can involve:

Specific documentation
Defined deadlines
Formal procedures

Many communities benefit from having knowledgeable guidance

Our Perspective

We recognize that the challenges facing the Church today are real and complex. At the same time, we believe that how decisions are made is just as important as the decisions themselves. Transparency is essential to long‑term sustainability. When communities are clearly informed, engaged in the process, and able to understand both the reasoning and the path forward, they are better able to participate, support, and sustain what is being built.

Strong, lasting communities are not created through structure alone; they are built through trust, participation, and shared understanding. We believe that faith-based education and parish life are most vibrant when they remain:

Rooted in local communities
Accessible to families
Supported through open and honest communication

For these reasons, we are committed not only to building forward, but to doing so in a way that reflects both clarity and collaboration.

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40

Our Response

In light of these broader challenges, our response is rooted in both faith and responsibility.

We are choosing not simply to react to change, but to build forward with intention, guided by a commitment to faith-based education, strong community life, and long-term sustainability. This includes creating structures that are both mission-driven and practically sound, ensuring that what is built today can endure for future generations.

At the same time, we believe that transparency is essential to that sustainability. Clear communication, shared understanding, and active participation strengthen not only trust but also the long-term health of any community. For this reason, we are committed to keeping families and community members informed as planning progresses, while providing opportunities for involvement and input.

Our efforts are focused on:

Preserving access to faith-based education
Supporting families as primary educators
Building a stable and sustainable school model
Strengthening community through collaboration and shared ownership

This is not simply an effort to replace what has been lost. It is an opportunity to build something renewed, grounded in faith, strengthened by experience, and shaped by the needs of our community today.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” — Psalm 127:1

Information & Research

These resources are provided to help individuals remain informed and engaged. We encourage all to approach these matters prayerfully and with a spirit of unity and respect for the Church.

Questions or information relevant to this initiative may be directed to:

Email: savessandrew.thomas@gmail.com

Mailing Address: PO Box #148, Potosi, WI 53820

Stay Informed & Get Involved!