In an effort to tackle the decline in Mass attendance, Archbishop Nelson Pérez of Philadelphia has launched an ambitious missionary outreach program aimed at reconnecting the 83% of baptized Catholics who have stopped attending services.

This revelation comes after the Archdiocese of Philadelphia conducted a comprehensive analysis of attendance patterns, showing a significant number of Catholics no longer participating in regular Mass.

A Long-Term Commitment to Rebuilding the Church

The new initiative, which will unfold over the next decade, is designed to help restore the local Church.

Archbishop Pérez’s strategy includes the introduction of “missionary hubs” in many parishes.

These hubs will serve as support systems for existing parishes and ministries, providing additional resources to reach out to those who have drifted away from the faith.

In a pastoral letter, Pérez expressed his desire to prevent the “cycle” of parish closures affecting many dioceses across the U.S. due to financial constraints and a shortage of priests.

“I want to begin to close this distance between many of our loved ones and the Church,” he wrote.

His goal is to make people feel welcome again, reminding them that the Lord is calling them back home, and that they have an eternal place in the Church.

Building Up, Not Shutting Down Parishes

When asked about the future of parishes under his leadership, Archbishop Pérez made it clear that he is not focused on closing churches.

Instead, his aim is to strengthen the presence of the Church in Philadelphia.

“I didn’t come here to close parishes; I came here to build up the Church of Philadelphia,” he emphasized.

One key element of the plan is the use of parish life directors.

These deacons and lay individuals will handle the operational responsibilities of parishes, enabling retired priests to continue their ministry without the burden of administrative duties.

Aiming to Serve the Community through Service and Faith

Pérez’s vision for the missionary hubs goes beyond merely filling pews.

The goal is to engage the community by working with existing Catholic ministries and focusing on outreach to those not actively involved in the Church.

The mission will emphasize service to the poor and the importance of the Eucharist, in hopes of rekindling a deeper connection to the faith.

Gradual Implementation with Sustainable Funding

This large-scale initiative, dubbed the New Way Forward, will be rolled out over ten years, with a focus on making the changes sustainable.

“This process will require tailored approaches across the diverse five counties of the archdiocese,” said Kenneth Gavin, the Archdiocese’s chief communications officer.

The plan will be funded primarily through private philanthropic support, which the Archdiocese hopes will provide long-term stability.

Reaching Out with a New Vision for the Church

The New Way Forward also aims to enhance how the Church serves both regular parishioners and those who have not attended Mass in years.

The Archdiocese’s leaders believe the key to success lies in a “pastoral change of heart.” Archbishop Pérez wants to ask a new question: “Where does the Church need to be and how?”

Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis’ vision of missionary disciples, Pérez emphasized the importance of a Church that goes out to meet people where they are, even if that means reaching out to those who have fallen away from the faith.

A Renewed Call to Faith

With this new initiative, Archbishop Pérez hopes to reinvigorate the Church in Philadelphia, inviting everyone to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

He urges the faithful to embrace their roles as missionary disciples—spreading the message of the Gospel and bringing others back into the fold.

In closing, Pérez summarized his vision for the Archdiocese, focusing on renewal, rebuilding trust, and inspiring others to rediscover their faith in Christ.

This bold new approach marks a significant step forward for the Church in Philadelphia, with the aim of re-engaging a community that has grown distant over time.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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