Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The Archdiocese of Louisville is initiating a parish planning process that will span a year and a half, aiming to address the evolving needs within the local church. This initiative, starting in May 2025, seeks to evaluate how best to serve the community with available resources.

Pastors received an outline and timeline for this process on April 30, accompanied by a case statement detailing the reasons behind this undertaking and providing various statistics about the local church. The statement emphasizes the desire among Catholics in Louisville for vibrant parishes where priests and personnel can offer support during times of joy and sorrow. It highlights the need for quality formation, education, inspiring worship, service opportunities, and community engagement.

Dr. Brian B. Reynolds, chancellor and chief administrative officer of the archdiocese, acknowledged that addressing these desires involves complex organizational issues. He noted changes in demographics over the past two decades since the last similar planning effort in 2005.

The previous planning process led to significant changes such as parish closures, new openings, clustering of parishes, and initiatives addressing contemporary challenges. The current process also begins at the parish level with Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre emphasizing "local discernment" based on real situations in parishes rather than directives from an archdiocesan committee.

The planning will proceed through four phases:

1. Parish Studies (May-August 2025): Parishes will prepare reports outlining statistics and identifying strengths and challenges.

2. Parish Planning Recommendations (October 2025-January 2026): Parishes will review reports from their deanery peers to make structural recommendations.

3. Planning Commission Review and Consultations (January-May 2026): A commission appointed by Archbishop Fabre will draft plans for each deanery after reviewing parish reports.

4. Preparation of Final Plan (June-October 2026): A comprehensive plan for the archdiocese will be finalized and announced before year's end.

Further details about this process and related organizational issues are expected to be shared in upcoming months.