Diocesan Planning Commission

The Diocese of Crookston has established a Diocesan Planning Commission to assist in renewing and strengthening parish life across the diocese. This commission plays an important role in supporting parishes and regions as they prepare for the future.
The work of the Planning Commission includes:

• Facilitating regional and parish meetings where planning for mission and collaboration will take place.

• Serving as a liaison between the diocese, priests, and parishioners to ensure clear communication throughout the process.

• Providing local expertise to help parishes navigate planning discussions.

• Reviewing parish life data, demographic trends, and other information in order to make informed recommendations to the Bishop of Crookston about parish structures and collaboration.

Members of the commission are also asked to:

• Approach planning with a diocesan perspective, seeking the good of the whole Church.

• Travel to parishes as needed, listening to parishioners’ concerns with patience and understanding.

• Collaborate as a team to support priests and parish leaders, including participating in parish meetings and public events where input is sought.

This commission will also contribute to the development of parish planning tools designed to assist local discernment and decision-making. Through their work, the Planning Commission helps ensure that parishes across the diocese are well-prepared to carry out their mission in the years ahead.