Parish Planning

- “I dream of a ‘missionary option’, that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation.”
  
  - Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 27
  
  Guided by the pastoral letter New Life: Through the Tender Compassion of Our God, the Diocese of Crookston is undertaking a comprehensive parish planning initiative. This work is rooted in a desire to move from maintenance to mission by focusing diocesan life more intentionally on evangelization in what is increasingly an apostolic age—a time when the broader culture no longer embraces Christianity as it once did.
  What is Parish Planning?
  Parish planning is the intentional process of organizing the people, structures, and resources of a diocese and its parishes to better fulfill the Church’s mission of evangelization. It involves listening, discernment, and collaboration among clergy, lay leaders, and the faithful. Ultimately, parish planning aims to help every parish become a center of missionary activity — places where people encounter Jesus Christ, grow as disciples, and are equipped to share the Gospel in everyday life.
  Why This Work Matters
  This planning effort is not about simply reorganizing structures — it is about renewing the Church’s capacity for mission. As society becomes less supportive of Christian life, the Church must adapt and reimagine how it engages the faithful and reaches out to those who do not yet know Christ. Parish planning enables the Diocese of Crookston to make the best use of its people, finances, facilities, and ministries in support of this mission.
  
  The need for this initiative emerged clearly during a strategic visioning process in 2023. Bishop Andrew Cozzens, diocesan leadership, clergy, and lay leaders all recognized that parish planning is necessary to ensure long-term sustainability and effectiveness in evangelization. The process aligns with the three pillars of the pastoral letter — revive, plan, and evangelize — and will help parishes grow into vibrant communities centered on the Eucharist, prayer, catechesis, and active lay involvement.
  What the Process Involves
  Parish planning involves consultation with priests, deacons, and laity. It includes reviewing:
  Clergy availability and parish leadership structures
  Staff, volunteer engagement, and lay ministry
  Financial and time resources
  Parish facilities and buildings
  Opportunities for collaboration across parish groupings and the diocese
  The aim is to help parishes become mission-centric: thriving communities with strong sacramental life, evangelizing catechesis, vibrant prayer, and active outreach.
  How You Can Be Involved
  Everyone in the Diocese of Crookston has a role to play. First and foremost, prayer is essential — especially for Bishop Cozzens, diocesan leaders, clergy, and parish communities. Parishioners are also invited to participate when local consultations begin, whether through parish gatherings, surveys, or focused prayer efforts.
  To stay informed and engaged, sign up for diocesan communications through Flocknote HERE.
- Contact Us
  
  Jim Remer
  
  Director of Parish Planning | Director of Safe Environment and Ministerial Standards, Bishop's Delegate
  
  218-281-4224
  jremercrookston.org

Parish Planning

What is Parish Planning?

Why This Work Matters

What the Process Involves

To stay informed and engaged, sign up for diocesan communications through Flocknote HERE.

Contact Us

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