The Diocese of Gaylord announced the Pastoral Plan 2026 today, which aims to restructure and renew the diocese. Implementation of the plan will begin in July 2026.
The Pastoral Plan 2026 was formed through a synodal process, a comprehensive data review and collaboration among clergy, parish leaders and laypeople. The plan includes the closure of two parishes and 20 limited-use designations.
Bishop Jeffrey J. Walsh, the Bishop of Gaylord, stated, “For more than a year, we have walked this path together—priests, deacons, directors of parish life, finance and pastoral councils and parish leaders—listening in the Spirit and studying the realities before us. This plan did not emerge in a haphazard way; it reflects collaboration, prayerful discernment and data-driven review of our current and future realities. As we begin implementation, I ask our diocesan family to embrace the future with the credo of Love, Communion and Mission.”
The plan includes the establishment of 18 new parish clusters, consisting of 16 two-parish clusters and three three-parish clusters, while previous clusters of four or five parishes will be abolished. Priest assignments will be updated to balance workloads, alongside support from parochial vicars, many of whom are international priests.
Bishop Walsh emphasized the challenges ahead, saying, “We cannot underestimate the tasks that lie ahead, nor can we lose sight of Divine Providence. These decisions were difficult and made with attention to details like Mass attendance, priest availability, finances, geography and future projections—but above all, with a vision of faithful stewardship for the gift of the Catholic Church across the 21 counties of northern lower Michigan. Our hope is twofold: to enrich parish and sacramental life with renewed missionary zeal and to provide a more balanced workload for clergy.”
Bishop Walsh also acknowledged the emotional impact of the changes, stating, “To those who will experience the closure or limited use of a beloved parish, I acknowledge your hurt. My own family lived through a parish closure. We know the sorrow and we also know that we are never left abandoned and remain as a family of faith.”Targeted investments outlined in the plan will focus on vocations, lay formation and initiatives for youth and young adults. The Bishop believes fostering communion with God and among parishioners is essential for growth, stating, “By patiently cultivating seeds of faith now, I am convinced God will bring about generational growth in the Diocese of Gaylord. This pruning is for more abundant fruit—for Love, Communion and Mission.”
Transition planning and parish support will take place from February to July 2026, leading up to the implementation of the Plan in July 2026.