Catholics across southeast Michigan are bracing for major changes as part of a restructuring process within the archdiocese of Detroit.
New models show at least 58 Catholic churches in southeast Michigan might no longer host weekend Mass. This comes as part of a broader consolidation effort that will group most churches into “pastorates” with nearby or similar churches. The pastorates will share a single pastor and usually one or more associate pastors. After that grouping is decided, some churches will merge or close.
The Reverend Mario Amore is the executive director of parish renewal for the archdiocese. He said a 40% drop in Mass attendance, $94 million in unfunded building costs, and fewer men entering the priesthood have made the restructuring necessary…