The Archdiocese of Detroit recently released draft restructuring models that could result in some churches either no longer hosting weekend Masses or eventually closing amid declining Mass attendance, lower sacramental participation, and an “ever-shrinking” number of priests due to retirement, according to the archdiocese.
The Detroit News reported that draft restructuring models released by the archdiocese show that at least 22 parishes across southeast Michigan could eventually stop holding weekend Masses.
The two-year initiative began in 2025 and is expected to conclude in 2027.
Archbishop Edward Weisenburger wrote in the initial announcement last year that the archdiocese has been “stretched too thin,” adding that the number of participating Catholics has recently declined from 1.5 million to fewer than 900,000.
The draft models reorganize parishes into “pastorates,” or groupings of churches that share a pastor and, in some cases, additional clergy. Parishioners whose churches no longer host weekend Masses would be encouraged to attend liturgies at other parishes within their pastorate.
Calling the restructuring a “journey of discernment," Archbishop Weisenburger said the initiative is founded on three pillars: becoming mission-ready, fostering vibrant parishes, and supporting priests so they can focus more fully on celebrating the sacraments.
Listening sessions recently began throughout the archdiocese, with video presentations explaining the restructuring process to parishioners.
In a May 7 Facebook post, the archdiocese said it was approximately one-third of the way through the parish listening sessions and encouraged Catholics to continue providing feedback on the proposed models.
The Detroit News also reported that some parishioners expressed disappointment with the proposed restructuring changes, while one parishioner described the video presentations during the listening sessions as “impersonal,” saying the information was presented without “any real representation from the archdiocese.”
Archbishop Weisenburger said the intention behind the videos is to ensure accuracy and consistency in both delivery and messaging because he cannot personally attend all 412 scheduled parish announcements this spring.
The archdiocese also said the restructuring process is a collaborative effort focused on renewal, encouraging Catholics to remain engaged throughout what it called a “historic moment of renewal” for the local Church.
In his initial letter announcing the restructuring initiative, Archbishop Weisenburger expressed his hope for the future of the local church.
“Together,” he said, “and with God's grace, we will fashion a Church in this Archdiocese that is vibrant, flourishing, and fully alive in the mission of the Gospel.”