In Detroit, RCC bishop proposes canceling Sunday Masses in 90 parishes
The Archdiocese of Detroit links the radical reduction of services to a shortage of clergy and a "a dramatic decline" in the number of sacraments performed.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit (USA) plans to discontinue Sunday services at 90 parishes due to a sharp decline in the number of the faithful and a shortage of priests, reports Life Site News.
According to the restructuring plan published on June 18, communities in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties may suspend weekend Masses. The leadership of the Roman Catholic Church explains the radical measures by a "a dramatic decline" in attendance and a reduction in the number of sacraments performed. Archbishop Edward Weisenburger intends to make a final decision on the closure or merger of parishes by 2027.
Critics point to the inconsistency of the hierarch's actions: while Weisenburger declares a desire to create "viable parishes," his actual decisions are leading to a further loss of the flock. Last year, the Archbishop banned the celebration of traditional Latin Masses in 13 churches, even though it was precisely these services that attracted young people and large families.
Experts are calling what is happening in Detroit the "bloodiest reduction" in recent years, noting that similar "optimization" processes have already affected more than 30 Catholic dioceses across the United States.
As the UOJ previously reported, a Roman Catholic diocese in California is closing 13 parishes due to declining attendance.
