Search

This article examines the challenges being faced by pastors across the U.S. in serving several parishes at the same time in 2009. According to a study conducted in 2005, an estimated 44% of the 20,668 Roman rite parishes and missions in the country share a pastor. As stated, lay Catholics are not only willing and able to make new models of parish ministry work but is also vital to their success. Charles Beebe, pastor of two rural parishes in the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, said pastors must empower people when pastoring multiple parishes. INSET: One size doesn't fit all.