3 Things You Should Know Right Now About Rural Pastoral Planning

1. Timing

Not all of these changes are happening today or even in the next 5 months. We know that in 5 years, we’ll have 24 fewer priests. That’s our deadline, but it doesn’t mean we’ll wait 5 years. Some planning circles are ready to go. Others will wait for a retirement or a move. If guys want to move or retire this July then yes, that forces us to start the process quickly and make changes. There are a enough things happening in the next 5 months that if a circle does not have to start making changes, then let’s not rush it, but we can start some conversations.

2. Firmness

How firm are we with the proposal? Fairly firm, but some changes may have to happen. Some circles may lose or gain a parish. Some circles may lose or gain a priest. What we know is that when one circle is settled and starts formal planning, then that affects the rest of the plan and it makes it harder for other circles to have some wiggle room. If you have feedback for suggestions, then email Fr. Lorig as soon as possible (jplorig@archomaha.org).

3. Eighteen

One thing we don’t have control over, at least immediately, is the number of priests we have and will have available to lead our parishes. The current plan reduces the number of priests in the rural area from 56 to 38. We’re firm on 18.