Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options

A pastoral planning process—Ministry 2025—has begun in the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa. According to the Rev. Brent Lingle, diocesan director of pastoral planning, the diocese recently unveiled a draft pastoral plan that strives to create parishes “where the faith is lived out, grows and attracts people into it.” The diocese reports that by 2025, only 31 priests will be available to serve as pastors. Currently, 58 priests are active in pastoral ministry. Bishop R. Walker Nickless of Sioux City said it was important to take a proactive approach in planning for the future of the diocese. “As bishop, I have to be a good steward of our resources, and one of the most important and valuable are our priests,” he said. “I need to take care of them.” Many of the diocese’s active priests are baby boomers reaching the age of retirement, and the bishop said they deserve the chance to retire.

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.

The latest from america

Working for the protection of people by safeguarding against the crime abuse is an integral expression of Christian faith. The successor of Pope Francis has the task of picking up where he left off and continuing resolutely. How can that be done?
Peter BeerMay 02, 2025
Francis always encouraged me in our attempt to move forward as an ecumenical community and in welcoming young people from different churches who come to Taizé from all over the world. He was the pope, but also a father and a brother to me.
Brother AloisMay 02, 2025
Pope Francis welcomed criticism—as long as it was not made behind his back.
Sebastian GomesMay 02, 2025
The cardinals have asked Catholics to pray for them and the conclave. What exactly should we be praying for? And should we be scandalized by the intermingling of politics and spirituality?
JesuiticalMay 02, 2025