The Catholic Community of Northern Columbia County

As previously mentioned, the bishop called together the pastors, priests, deacons and parish life directors of the 126 parishes of the diocese for a meeting this past Thursday, May 22, 2025.  The topic was to “refocus on the mission,” of the diocese, networks, and parishes, including ours in the Catholic Community of Northern Columbia County (CCNCC). That mission is rooted in Jesus Christ’s command to the disciples and to us “to go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matt 28:19)

While there are lots of rumors and stories out and about, please let me start by stating as clear as I can be that NO DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE!  The process is just beginning and we will all learn more just before or on the Feast of Pentecost, June 8, 2025.  The overall goal of this process is to compassionately, prayerfully and strategically realign parishes, buildings, and active disciples toward vibrant and missionary Church life in our communities.

Here are the key points that I have taken from this first (of many) meetings. 

The process will be and has to be prayer-centered and mission-focused.

This process is NOT related to bankruptcy.

There are NO lists of buildings, schools, parishes, or churches to be closed.

The bishop asked those present to pray and asked for a re-kindling of a sense of mission of who we serve. He then asked a few rhetorical questions:

Who is in the pews? Why do they come to church? Who are the priests, deacons, and leaders in the church? Who do the leaders, priests, and deacons serve? (Is it only Catholics? Only parishioners? Or all people?)

Over the summer months a “taskforce” in the diocese will gather information in an effort to prepare for meetings with the various groups in the diocese (networks, vicariates, parishes). The plan is to be an ongoing and evolving process for years to come. In other words, just because the answer to the situation is one answer in 2025 or 2026, it does not mean the answer will be the same in 2027.

What does that mean for us?  I have asked our Tri-Parish Pastoral Council to create a list of all the activities that each parish and parishioners are involved in and what our buildings are used for.  Once they are reviewed by our other leaders of each parish, we will provide to all parishioners for your input.  Perhaps we have missed something.  This is an important time for prayer and discernment for the diocese, our network of the CCNCC, and each of our parishes.  While I do not know the future of any of our parishes, I do not think that based on what I’ve seen so far, we need to be overly concerned.  However, after the information provided near Pentecost, that may give some indication about other areas that the diocese or this process may be looking into (such as finances, evangelization, attendance, etc.).  Let us pray for this process and for each other.

Lastly, the quote from the bishop about one-third of parishes and buildings, etc. that may be closed is not firm, so let's not worry about that.  Let's focus on what we do now in each parish and what we can do more of to bring Jesus and help make disciples and bring Him to others in the world of Northern Columbia County!

Thank you and God Bless, Fr. Steve