Why does this Journey of Faith matter so much right now? Think about how you have experienced or struggled in your own journey of faith. As one church, we must respond to changes in our Catholic community and the world around us.
Our Current Realities Call for New Directions in Parish Life
It’s not one but rather a series of changes over decades which challenge our diocese today. To come to grips with our current reality, it’s important that we share the data openly and honestly. With clear understanding, we can responsibly move forward in sustainable and new directions.
A Growing Disconnect
Within our own parish communities, the majority of Catholics no longer participate in the life of the church.
• Weekly mass attendance is under 1 in 4
• Parish activities attract only a small percentage of parishioners
• Fewer young adults identify as Catholics or members of a parish
Source: Archdiocese of Omaha census
Facing Priestly Limits
Over the next ten years, the number of available priests will drop steadily. For parish communities to have vibrant ministries, we must see the conditions which limit our priests:
• Growing stress from unmanageable workload
• More retirements than replacements
• Aging, underutilized structures
“The challenge is to see this as an opportunity, to have a deeper experience in the activity of the Holy Spirit, and to respond really in faith, and to trust God.” – Archbishop George Lucas
Current Realities Collide
The population shift from rural to urban communities is undeniable. We value parish life in every corner of the Archdiocese and must find ways to make faith more accessible to more people.
A More Multi-Cultural Church
