“With the assistance of the Priest Council, and as discussed in Deaneries, we have been preparing a parish planning process to consider how best the Archdiocese of Louisville can address the evolving needs within our local church,” Archbishop Shelton Fabre, Archdiocese of Louisville.
Timeline
The planning process will be in four parts:
I. Parish Studies: May 2025 – August 2025
With the help of parish councils and other leaders, parishes prepared a Quantitative Report detailing present parish statistics. In addition, parishes were asked to prepare a Qualitative Report indicating particular strengths and challenges.
II. Parish Planning Recommendations: October 2025 – January 2026
Parishes in every Deanery received the reports from the other parishes in their Deanery. Using the reports as a resource, parishes prepared recommendations for possible changes in parish structures and priest assignments. Where appropriate, recommendations about parish schools were also requested.
III. Planning Commission Review and Consultations: January 2026 – May 2026
A Planning Commission reviewed each parish report and prepared draft Deanery plans. The draft Deanery plans have been distributed to each parish in a Deanery for consultation and feedback. Appropriate Deanery gatherings are being held to gather Deanery feedback. Additional consultations will occur with various groups such as retired priests, school leaders, and archdiocesan committees, to gather more insights.
IV. Preparation of Final Plan: June 2026 – October 2026
After the period of consultation is complete the Planning Commission will prepare a single comprehensive plan for the archdiocese. This plan will be reviewed by the Priest Council. A final plan will be announced before the end of 2026.
Issues impacting the need for
Parish Planning:
- Changing demographics
- Number of parishes and masses offered on Sundays
- Number of priests available to serve in the archdiocese
- Resources available – parish finances, facilities, and school ministry impact on a parish
Key Terms
Parish Closing – Parish closes and area served is transferred to another receiving parish. Succeeding parish receives assets and liabilities of the closed parish.
Parish Merger – Two or more parishes become one parish. New parish works as one parish to propose a property plan for Archbishop to consider.
Parish Cluster – Two or more parishes share a Pastor and related expenses but remain independent parishes.
Mission – A mission church is an active faith community with a full variety of ministries but is not a separate parish. The Mission is linked to a parish with a Pastor who serves the mission church.
Oratory – An oratory is a chapel preserved for limited use as determined by the Archbishop (i.e. weddings, funerals, special feasts). Care of an oratory is entrusted to another parish.
Pastoral Planning Prayer
Almighty God,
we, the people of this local Church,
look to the future in joyful hope,
prayerfully dedicating ourselves
to the process of pastoral planning.
As you have guided those who have gone before us,
inspire us now to be good stewards of their legacy
and of the material and spiritual gifts which come from you.
Grant us, we pray,
your gifts of wisdom, courage, and hope,
that we may have hearts open to new possibilities,
minds that are receptive and creative,
ears that listen attentively,
lips that speak with clarity and compassion,
and eyes that boldly envision the future.
As we embrace the challenges ahead,
keep us focused on your mission:
to proclaim the Gospel, to serve the poor, to glorify your name,
and to hand on this precious gifts of faith to future generations.
Through the intercession of Blessed Virgin Mary,
Mother of God and Blessed Joseph, her spouse,
help us to discern your holy will
for our parish families throughout Central Kentucky.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
© 2025 by Archdiocese of Louisville
Stories published in The Record covering
the Parish Planning Process:
May 2025
June 2025
October 2025
March 2026
