Pastoral planning is a prayerful, strategic process by which a parish or group of parishes takes inventory of the current human and financial resources of a community and realigns them to meet the current sacramental and pastoral needs. 

The planning process involves meetings with key parish leaders and parishioners over several months to explore relevant data and mission goals to propose a plan to organize ministries and worship opportunities for local Catholic communities. After key leaders make their recommendations, the bishop prayerfully considers how to best serve the local church. 

All parishes in the Diocese of Gary have entered the process of pastoral planning at strategic points: 

• In 2020, the Merrillville parishes began the pastoral planning process and formally merged as Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in 2025. 
• In 2023, the Michigan City parishes began pastoral planning and are still in the process of formally merging. 
• In the fall of 2024, parishes in East Chicago, Hammond and Whiting began the pastoral planning process in fall of 2024, with Bishop McClory announcing his decision for these communities in May 2025.  
• In the fall of 2025, the remaining 41 parishes began the process of pastoral planning, with Bishop McClory announcing his decision in March 2026. 

FAQs

What is "pastoral planning"?

Pastoral planning is a prayerful, strategic process by which a parish or group of parishes take inventory of the current human and financial resources of a community and realign them to meet the current sacramental and pastoral needs.

Is "pastoral planning" just a fancy way of saying that parishes are going to close?

While some parishes may close and merge with other nearby parishes, this is not the sole purpose of pastoral planning. In order to maximize talents and resources, some church buildings may close or remain open as a worship site while the parish operations merge with another parish. Other parishes may remain, growing in their operations or remain unchanged depending on the sacramental and pastoral needs of the local community.

Why is this happening now?

Shifting demographics, fewer resources, older buildings, and numerous anticipated retirements among the clergy in the next few years make discerning a pastoral plan more important than ever so that future generations will continue to receive the great blessings of our Catholic faith.

Who makes the decisions in this process?

Bishop McClory is the ultimate decision maker as the shepherd of the Diocese of Gary and he has appointed Fr. Christopher Stanish, Vicar General; Fr. Jeff Burton, Northlake Dean; and Deacon Brad Hendrickson to facilitate the pastoral planning process. Additionally, each pastor has appointed three Key Parish Leaders to serve as advisors to explore the current ministry landscape, review future strategies for an effective Catholic presence in the area, and formulate recommendations for Bishop McClory's consideration. You can ask your pastor for the names of the Key Parish Leaders who have been designated for your parish.

Will I have the opportunity to voice my thoughts and concerns?

Inclusion and transparency are key to a faithful and effective process. The recent Disciple Maker Index Survey was one way to solicit parishioners' input on attitudes, beliefs, satisfaction, and participation.

General Parish Meetings are another important opportunity for members of the community to understand the considerations for pastoral planning and share any concerns they have that may not have been considered. There are at least two General Parish Meetings as part of every pastoral planning process, which will be publicized in the parish bulletin. 

For example, there were two General Parish Meetings for the East Chicago, Hammond and Whiting pastoral planning process that took place at Bishop Noll Institute on October 14 and 16, as well as November 18 and 20, 2024 to understand the current landscape and receive feedback on models for the future. Meetings were held in the remaining planning areas the weeks of September 8 and October 27, 2025.

My parish received a letter from the bishop. What happens now?  

With this response, parish transition plans may begin and will unfold over time. Each local transition will be unique and will be informed by the community’s spiritual and sacramental needs, as well as human and financial resources.   

What is a "worship site"?

A worship site is a physical church building that will continue to be used for sacraments and other appropriate events. The assets and leadership of the former parish have merged with another parish to form a single organization. Worship sites may be used regularly for Sunday and Holy Day Masses, or they may be reserved for special events, such as weddings and funerals.

My parish is closing, what does this mean?

When a parish closes, it ceases to exist as a separate entity, and its members are invited to become part of another parish community nearby. The church building may remain open for worship or may be deconsecrated, depending on pastoral needs. Sacramental records will be preserved and transferred to the designated successor parish. 

It is important to note that this is not a sign of failure. The Church is always growing and realigning resources to meet the current needs of a community and to respond to the signs of the times to be most effective for mission.

What happens to the money I've donated to my parish?

Church law mandates that money donated will go to the parish that subsumes the parish that is closing.

My parish provides services that the local community depends upon, such as free meals or food and clothing distribution. If we close, who will take care of those in need?

The discernment for each individual ministry will take place at a local level with the individuals who operate and benefit from the services they provide. Continuation of key parish ministries may involve moving the ministry to another location or forming new collaborations within the community.

Is there an appeals process?

Once the decree is published, anyone who is a parishioner of a parish who considers themselves to be aggrieved (injured or treated unfairly) by the Bishop's decision has the right to appeal the decision to him in writing concerning the way their parish is being altered. According to the norms of the Church’s law (Canon 1734), the written appeal must be made in writing and postmarked no later than 10 days after the decree, and addressed to Bishop McClory at 9292 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410. We cannot accept emails or phone calls as a request for appeal.

I still have questions or concerns that were not addressed here. Who can I contact?

It is best to contact your local pastor with questions about how the pastoral planning will impact your community.