Halifax, Canada, Apr 5, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Fewer buildings, more life, more people. That’s the idea behind the new parish reorganization and renewal plan for the Archdiocese of Halifax that will cut its 75 parishes and missions down to 24.
Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ, is optimistic that the reorganization and subsequent creation of new, active faith centres in the archdiocese will attract more people to church, especially those “who may not come to church because of a lack of vibrancy,” reported the Atlantic Catholic.
The archbishop and the chancellor, Deacon Bob Britton, unveiled the new report on pastoral renewal and parish reorganization in the archdiocese, called “Forward in Faith”, in early February.
The report recommends the creation of 24 new “vibrant” parish communities, carved out of the current 53 parishes and 22 missions. These new parishes would be organized around a parish centre, which would consist of one central church, and a parish facility for offices, meeting rooms, classrooms and kitchen facilities.