Journey of Faith

Journey of Faith April 2023 Update

Why is the Archdiocese going through this Journey of Faith Process?

Current Reality

•Fewer available priests (105 in 2022, 81 in 2033)

•Dropping numbers of active parishioners (113,00 at Masses in 2001, 63,000 in 2021)

•Major statewide population shifts (urban population growing, rural population declining)

•Growing multi-cultural communities (for example, Hispanic population in the Archdiocese has gone from 2.3% of population in 1990 to 13.5% in 2020)

What is the Goal of the Journey of Faith Process?

--"To promote flourishing faith communities by renewing and aligning all our people, resources, and actions to the mission of Jesus Christ.”

Journey of Faith Prayer
Lord and Giver of Life,
we ask for your guidance
as we journey to discover your plan
for our parishes and schools.
Change can bring about great excitement;
it can also be the source of anxiety and fear.
Help us to move forward with faith, courage and confidence.
Give us open minds and clarity
as we discern your will for a promising future.
May Jesus, the constant companion of the Church since Pentecost,
help us to accept the challenges of loving service
in new and invigorating ways.
May Mary, Mother of the Church,
encourage our efforts to listen and learn.
In the beginning, you hovered over the waters,
giving birth to your plan for creation.
You were present to the People of Israel,
speaking to them, teaching them,
and guiding them. Be present with us now,
and give us your light to see the way. Amen.