MERGER MODEL
A merger brings two or more parishes together to form one larger Dynamic and Vibrant Parish. There is no limit to the number of parishes that might merge to form a single parish. The merged parish might use a current church site or even build a new church in a central location. A merged parish might use the church building from one site and buildings from the other parishes at another site. In a merger, both the assets and liabilities of participating parishes are united and become the responsibility of the merged parish. Since the merger results in a new parish, one pastor is assigned (and, if needed, an additional part-time or full-time parochial vicar).
This model is beneficial in instances where there are not enough priests to staff the current number of parishes, where parishes are close or relatively close together, where there are rising costs and debt, and where there are diminishing numbers of parishioners and declining Mass attendance, such that it does not warrant keeping multiple worship sites open. The merged, expanded parish, meanwhile, can provide more human and material resources, more energy, and often more diversity. Ministry programs are developed and carried out by paid, professionals who will assist the parish in advancing key pastoral priorities, including lifelong faith formation and youth ministry, in that area of the diocese. One budget is created with one new pastoral council and one new finance council, with representation from each of the parishes involved in the merger. Meanwhile, unused church facilities and buildings acquired through the merger will need to be studied for other use or for possible sale. Some buildings will be kept; some will likely be sold or rented to help with any debts brought by parishes to the merger. The diocese itself does not benefit in any way from the sale of property or real estate. All assets and liabilities belong to the merged parish.
Dynamic and Vibrant Parishes
Definition of a Parish - Canon 515
"A parish is a definite community of the Christian faithful established on a stable basis with a particular church; the pastoral care of the parish is entrusted to a pastor as its own shepherd under the authority of the diocesan bishop."
Indicators of a Vibrant, Dynamic Parish
Multiple national studies in the last 25 years have found at least four common indicators of a vibrant parish: worship, community, formation, and ministry.
A vibrant parish gathers weekly to worship and celebrates the sacraments.
Eucharist is welcoming and inclusive and leads to full, active, and conscious participation of the assembly through well-preached homilies and quality music.
Liturgical prayer leads to conversion of heart and growth in faith.
A vibrant parish becomes a faith community where people can find God, care for and support one another, and grow spiritually.
Strengthens communal relationships within the parish, extends hospitality that reflects mutual respect, invites diversity and builds unity, while engaging in ecumenical and interfaith activities with other faith communities.
Recognizes the giftedness of the community, invites ministry, demonstrates stewardship and collaborative parish leadership.
Evidences transparency, promotes involvement and ownership by parishioners, maintains parish facilities, and demonstrates fiscal responsibility.
A vibrant parish extends formation to all the members of the faith community.
Promotes growth in the Christian life of all its members and manifests an enthusiastic understanding of the gospel through active participation of all ages, inclusive of families and youth.
Utilizes contemporary means of communication, provides for ongoing training for ministry from qualified, competent, professional personnel.
Is committed to evangelization, ongoing liturgical and sacramental catechesis.
A vibrant parish reaches out through ministry that is inspired by the gospel and the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
Promotes consistent and compassionate outreach to the poor and those in need.
Reaches out to inactive or alienated Catholics, the marginalized, divorced members, to other parishes and beyond to the needs of the global community.