The Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, could consolidate several parishes as early as 2027 due to a priest shortage and declining Mass attendance.
The Bergen Record reported that the diocesan executive director of communications, Maria Margiotta, said the mergers are the result of a diocesan review launched in June by Cardinal Joseph Tobin, the archbishop of Newark. The archdiocese is now evaluating individual parishes’ perceptions of their “long-term sustainability.” A more concrete plan for the parishes’ future is expected by summer 2026.
In a letter to parishioners in June, Cardinal Tobin had cited declining parish membership, Mass attendance, sacramental participation, and available priests as reasons to reorganize the archdiocese.
Mergers or even closures will be necessary, according to the cardinal.
“These conversations and decisions will not always be easy, but as members of one body — the Church — we will support one another throughout this journey,” he said.
Cardinal Tobin also wrote that “the population of our region continues to grow, offering new and fertile ground for evangelization.” The Bergen Record reported that Monseigneur Richard Arnhols, a pastor emeritus who also serves on the committee overseeing the review, said the archdiocese will be reorganized to add “a focus on missionary discipleship” to bring more people into the faith.
According to the Bergen Record, the archdiocese has closed 29 parishes since 1990 and shut down 15 Catholic schools since 2020.
Margiotta said that “viable parishes may choose to merge beginning in 2027, based on readiness.” She added that consolidations would “focus on parish governance rather than church buildings, and any property decisions will rest with the local parish community.”
The post New Jersey archdiocese to merge parishes as Mass attendance falls appeared first on CatholicVote org.