Study says training, consultation are keys to reorganizing parishes

Published: 2004-07-14

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- "If parish reorganization is to be successful, dioceses need to ensure that effective consultation and training occur. Both are essential," says a new national study that was sent to the U.S. bishops and made public in mid-July. A lack of priests is the most important factor behind reorganization, followed by population shifts, the study said. The most-cited goal or criterion for reorganization was ensuring that each parish is able to celebrate the Eucharist each Sunday. It said an effective reorganization process will engage the affected parishioners and priests as active participants in the process. The "2003 National Study of Parish Reorganization" was carried out by the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development in conjunction with the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, with funding from the Raskob Foundation. A follow-up to a smaller study in 1995, the new study was based on a national survey to which 123 dioceses and six eparchies (Eastern-rite dioceses) responded, plus 273 survey responses from pastors or parish directors of reorganized parishes and in-depth interviews with 25 heads of such parishes.

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