Possible closures, consolidations coming to Peoria parishes

Posted on September 6, 2022
‘Growing Disciples’ program will lead to changes in 26 counties the diocese covers. (Photo courtesy: 25 News)

By 25 News

BLOOMINGTON – The Diocese of Peoria is looking to grow their reach, but they may be doing some pruning first.

The Diocese hasn’t made any official or final decision on how the changes will shake out. Right now they are in a reviewing how to change their approach to serving the 26 counties they cover. The program is called “Growing Disciples,” and they said other Diocese nationally have gone through a similar process, including St Louis and Chicago.

“We must address these challenges in order to respond to current ministry needs,” reads the plan for the Diocese.

A shortage of priests is a contributing factor according to the Diocese, but it isn’t the only reason behind their decision.

The diocese said there are fewer priests needed to serve the 155 parishes in the area, and not enough incoming priests to replace the ones getting to retirement age. To be fully staffed, the diocese reports they would need 45 to 60 priests hired immediately.

The need for changes comes from a “changing regional landscape” and national trends in religion according to the Diocese.

There is no specific course of action at this time, but the plan states they will be closing and combining parishes and it will effect the entire Diocese.

“While we know this process will involve closures and configurations, we do not yet know the extent to which each vicarate will experience these changes,” a Diocese website outlining the plan stated.

Parishes may be combined into a larger church, meaning weekly services will be held in one location combined with another congregation.

Right now they are collected data and speaking with priests, deacons, and Catholic school leaders to learn more on what next steps could be. Starting next year, they will review and create plans for how the Peoria Diocese will change and present those to Bishop Louis Tylka. He will make a final decision in May 2024, and the changes will be completed by May 2026.

Timeline for the Growing Disciples plan from Catholic Diocese of Peoria.
Timeline for the Growing Disciples plan from Catholic Diocese of Peoria.(WEEK)

The Diocese anticipates a “significant impact on [their] current parish footprint” following the changes.

25 News can be reached at [email protected].

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