No Closures Planned: Archdiocese Addresses Misconceptions in Pastorate Planning

It's your town. Your lives. Your stories. Make sure someone's telling them—donate to Decorah News now. WINNESHIEK COUNTY — As the Archdiocese of Dubuque continues its multi-year Journey in Faith initiative, Catholics in Winneshiek County and surrounding rural communities are wrestling with questions, uncertainty and misconceptions about what the transition to new "pastorates" will mean for their parish life. The initiative, launched publicly last year, proposes new ways of grouping parishes under shared pastoral leadership beginning in 2027. Driven by changing demographics, fewer priests and shifting participation trends, the upcoming restructuring has stirred both concern and curiosity among parishioners across the region. Why Pastorates Are Being Proposed Archbishop Thomas Zinkula has emphasized that Journey in Faith is meant to be a "pastoral and spiritual pilgrimage," not simply an administrative overhaul. "It is a Spirit-led invitation to renewal, vitality and growth," he said in an address to parishioners. "I envision a church that is alive with the joy of the Gospel, where our parishes are not only sustainable, but thriving centers of mission and encounter." The archbishop noted that more than 22,000 Catholics responded to the Disciple Maker Index survey last fall, a key foundation for the models now under review. The feedback, along with sacramental statistics and demographic trends, helped shape the tentative pastorate configurations currently posted on the Journey in Faith website. The models show how parishes might collaborate by sharing resources, strengthening relationships and deepening their mission presence in the communities they serve. Impact on Winneshiek and Surrounding CountiesIn rural counties like Winneshiek, Howard, Allamakee, Fayette, and Clayton, the proposed pastorates could mean: More shared clergy across multiple parishes Adjusted weekend Mass schedules Greater collaboration between towns that have historically had independent parish life Expanded regional ministries, such as youth formation or outreach programs Local parish leaders stress that the changes are not intended to diminish Catholic presence in rural towns, but to strengthen it by ensuring sustainable pastoral care. Misconceptions Are Fueling AnxietyPerhaps the most widespread fear is that parishes, will soon be "closed." However, members of the Journey in Faith planning commission say that assumption does not reflect the reality of the process. "There is no announcement about church closures because we aren't discussing that through this Journey in Faith initiative," said one parishioner involved in the planning process, who wished to remain anonymous. "Not having a weekend Mass is not the same as closing a church […] Those churches may still be used for funerals, weddings, weekday Masses and charitable outreach." While the archdiocese has indicated that future pastorates will eventually need to assess the financial viability of maintaining multiple buildings, that phase is years away and separate from the current modeling process. Another key misconception is that decisions have already been made. "These models are not decisions," Archbishop Zinkula stressed. "They are starting points, designed to elicit your reactions and perspectives." What Comes NextThe archdiocese is currently in a three-month public input phase, ending November 21, during which: Parishes are hosting regional information and listening sessions Parishioners can review proposed models online Catholics are invited to submit formal feedback through the Journey in Faith website After November 21, the planning commission and archbishop will review all public input before developing revised models in early 2026. No final decisions about pastorate structures are expected until late 2026, with implementation beginning in 2027. Stay InformedThe archdiocese encourages all Catholics, and anyone interested in the future of the region's parishes, to remain engaged through: The official Journey in Faith website, which posts all models and updates Parish and regional listening sessions Submitting comments through the online feedback form before November 21 Conversations with local priests and parish staff The parishioner emphasized: "We're doing things our way, with transparency, months of public input, and a genuine desire to listen. Archbishop Zinkula has publicly said that he desperately wants and needs to hear from archdiocesan Catholics." For now, the future of Catholic parishes remains open, and shaped in large part by the voices of the people in the pews. Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.