Detroit Catholics raise concerns over possible loss of Sunday Mass under restructuring plans

Parishioners in the Archdiocese of Detroit are reacting to updated restructuring proposals that could eliminate Sunday Mass at dozens of churches across southeast Michigan.

The archdiocese's updated restructuring models propose changes affecting more than 200 parishes, including potential mergers and the elimination of weekend Masses at several churches, according to an Oct. 20 report from WXYZ-TV, a local ABC affiliate.

The restructuring initiative began in 2025 amid declining Mass attendance and sacramental participation and a shrinking number of priests due to aging and retirement, as Zeale News previously reported. In his initial announcement, Archbishop Edward Weisenburger said the archdiocese had been “stretched too thin,” noting that the Catholic population had fallen from 1.5 million to about 900,000.

Among the affected churches is Divine Providence Lithuanian Parish, which would lose Sunday Mass under every remaining proposal, according to the outlet. The parish is also home to Lithuanian community organizations and a Saturday school.

“To basically feel unheard is devastating,” Vilija Jurgutis, the school's director, told the outlet. “Not even in one of the models do we even maintain a Mass so that means that conversation is closed.”

The proposals have also raised concerns in Westland, where no Catholic churches would offer Sunday Mass under the updated models. Joyce Paddock, a parishioner of more than 50 years at St. Richard's Catholic Church, described the prospect as “very stressful.”

Although some churches could lose Sunday Mass, the archdiocese has emphasized that the changes would not necessarily mean those buildings would close. 

Father Sean Bonner, a local pastor, said parishioners could attend Mass in the neighboring city of Wayne if the changes move forward.

“We're just going to have to adapt to the new reality. I know it's going to be difficult,” Father Bonner told WXYZ-TV.

An attorney and a canon lawyer are organizing an Oct. 27 meeting in Troy, Michigan, to inform parishioners of their rights under Church law, including options for appealing the archdiocese's final restructuring decisions.

The archdiocese is expected to announce its final restructuring decisions in April 2027.