Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
The Associated PressDecember 06, 2021
Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr of Cincinnati celebrates Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati Aug. 15, 2020.Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr of Cincinnati celebrates Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati Aug. 15, 2020. (CNS photo/courtesy The Catholic Telegraph)

CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati’s archdiocese has unveiled a final restructuring plan to consolidate its churches and schools that serve nearly half a million Roman Catholics in 19 counties.

Archbishop Dennis Schnurr on Sunday announced the program, known as Beacons of Light, in which 208 parishes will be transformed into 57 “families of parishes” that will share priests and facilities starting next year.

Archbishop Dennis Schnurr on Sunday announced the program, known as Beacons of Light, in which 208 parishes will be transformed into 57 “families of parishes” that will share priests and facilities starting next year.

The plan could result in the possible shutdown of churches and schools as the archdiocese responds to a decline in the number of priests and a shift in parishioners.

In a recorded message, Archbishop Schnurr told his flock the changes would “enable us to form stronger parishes.”

The plan was first presented in October and was revised after the archdiocese heard from priests and parishioners.

Under the plan, new parish councils will be created and pastors will be appointed in February and March. The pastors and councils will then determine which churches will celebrate Mass.

“The work of the church is never complete,” Archbishop Schnurr said.

The latest from america

And when the trembling shook the entire house it woke me into shock
LukeMay 28, 2023
Greg Chisholm, S.J., gestures while giving a homily
In the inaugural episode of Preach, host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., speaks with Greg Chisholm, S.J., about advice he received as a young priest, then Father Chisholm gives his homily for Holy Trinity Sunday.
PreachMay 28, 2023
photo of stained glass window depicting a dove
A Reflection for Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter, by Jill Rice
Jill RiceMay 27, 2023
Sister Lucía Caram, an Argentinian nun living in Spain, has made 18 journeys to the war-torn country over the past 15 months, usually bringing humanitarian aid and returning home with refugees or wounded soldiers.
Gerard O’ConnellMay 26, 2023