We must adapt to the changing demographics.

The overall population in our diocese has increased 7% since 2010 while the number of Catholic parishioners has decreased from 22.4% to 16.6%. 

Ages 7-42 make up 45.7% of the population.

Sacramental and Catholic household numbers have decreased since 2010.

• Mass attendance declined 33.1%.
• Weddings declined 45.9%.
• Baptisms declined 44.7%.
• First Communions declined 37.8%.
• Confirmations declined 35.5%.
• Registered households declined 19%.

As stewards of God’s gifts we must use them more effectively.

• Average church utilization for weekend Masses is 39%.
• It is a struggle to find and retain qualified, faithful employees because of increasing pressures and limited compensation.

Clergy, staff and laity are bearing a heavier administrative burden than in the past.

• In 1999, the diocese had 97 priests serving 140 parishes; today there are 62 priests serving 131 parishes.
• The average number of parishes per priest is 2.4 (U.S. average is 1) while the median is 3.

Four out of five parishes are operating with a consistent budget deficit from annual giving (plate and envelope).