3. Demographics

The last 25 years have seen significant shifts in population trends throughout the United States. The Catholic population of this Archdiocese is certainly no exception. We once lived in localized ethnic “Catholic” neighborhoods in which the parish served as the hub of the community. Today, Catholics live in ever-expanding geographic areas, and many Catholics participate in parishes by choice rather than by observing the geographic boundaries of the past. We are more diverse socially, economically, and culturally than ever before. Modern demographic research has given us the ability to predict probable shifts in population trends more accurately and plan accordingly.

The following questions need to be addressed as we respond to demographic shifts: How can we best serve diverse and dispersed populations, especially since parish boundaries are often not observed? How do we maintain a Catholic presence throughout all areas of the diocese?