Changing Landscape of Catholicism in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester

By THE VERY REVEREND WILLIAM D. THOMPSON

Most anybody who graces the doors of our churches these days does not have to look far to see the changes that have happened over time – some of them rather drastic. This past year, for example, saw “The Hill” at Good Counsel in Mankato vacated, where the School Sisters of Notre Dame had lived and served for well over 100 years. Some parishes have closed and churches have been sold. Yet, the gift of faith is as available to everyone as ever.

While the financial reality of most parishes has, through the generosity of parishioners, held steady, the number of people in the pews has shrunk. This is, in part, due to people not returning to church after COVID, but the trends have been heading in the same direction much longer than that. The decreases that we experience are also due to a smaller pool of Catholics (we have historically held steady at about 130,000 Catholics in the Diocese but now we have about 114,000). This should not be surprising, as many rural communities have seen similar decreases in their overall population. Yet, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Life in Christ is as available to everyone as ever.

The numbers that I will now share do not paint a pretty picture. However, hopefully this data will help you to see that any decrease you are noticing in your own parish is not unique. A prayer that I frequently recall is for the priests, deacons and staff in the parishes: “O Lord, do not let them be discouraged by lack of interest or discouraging results.” Our parish staffs, led by your pastors, work hard to stop the flow out of the Church and even to increase its reach. Thankfully, the work of the Church is not limited to the work of “professionals.” The call of the baptized to live out your new life in Christ as priest, prophet and king remains as available to you as ever. Come, Lord Jesus!

Now, on to the data. What I will share is not every data point available, but these are telling numbers that may help to understand the reality in your parish even better. The numbers reflect our most recent published data in 2022. Next week I will publish some data on the October Mass count.

As you can see, every category has decreased except for the number of permanent deacons and extern (especially international) priests. The decrease in religious sisters reflects the move of many School Sisters of Notre Dame to a care facility in Shakopee. The overall decrease in clergy and religious is primarily due to far more deaths than new members. Students in Faith Formation includes those in parish catechesis and Catholic Schools, pre-school through grade 12. As you can see, the number of Confirmations and weddings are decreased dramatically.

We do not place our trust in numbers. We do not place our trust in pamphlets or better bulletins. Our faith is in God, and God is in you through Baptism. Pray for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit that all Catholics in our Diocese may know and experience the great gift of life found only in our Triune God, and that those gifts would fill us to the point of overflowing into the lives of others.

When you look at these numbers, things may appear rather desperate. I assure you, though, that we are not the ones who are desperate, not when we are able to live this life in Christ. However, if I were reading this, I would want something to do about this data. Otherwise, it is tempting to despair. Keep reading the e-Courier and look for an article by Susan Windley-Daoust that will offer several suggestions; many of which are already being implemented around the diocese.

The Very Reverend William D. Thompson is the Vicar General, Judicial Vicar, and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.