Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We’ve reached another important milestone in our Archdiocesan Restructuring
process. Over the last several weeks, we have completed over 400 parish listening
sessions, hosted at every parish in the Archdiocese of Detroit. These listening
sessions were opportunities for the Faithful to see the proposed models for
pastorates in their planning area, and share valuable feedback on what might
work, what needs additional refinement, and other insights into the local
communities of each parish. These listening sessions were not a simple offering;
rather, they were a high-level view of a deeply layered process. I am thankful to all
of our parishes for hosting these events, as well as all those who had a part in
making the sessions possible: our priests, deacons, parish staff, volunteers, Key
Parish Leaders and Primary Points of Contact, our on-site technical contacts, on-
site facilities contacts, scribes, volunteer facilitators, and of course—the participants!

I want you to know that, while parish listening sessions have been completed, there
is still time and space for you to provide your feedback. You can visit the
restructuring website at restructuring.aod.org to access your parish workbook and
the information presented at your parish listening sessions, including the videos
from your listening session, the proposed models for your planning area, and the
post-listening session survey.
I encourage each of you to first and foremost find time to thoughtfully and
prayerfully engage with these materials. Then, please share your feedback on the
proposed models in the online survey. Your suggestions, insight, and
recommendations are essential to this next phase of our restructuring. Every piece
of feedback received will be read and taken into consideration. This survey will
remain open until July 31st.

In August, further discernment and refinement will continue as we review and
analyze all the data from the parish listening sessions, the online survey responses,
and ongoing feedback from our priests. We expect to announce the new pastorates
in April 2027, with implementation beginning July 1, 2027.

Brothers and sisters, I know this process has not been an easy one for many of you.
I know, too, that as we discern the future of our archdiocese, difficult decisions
must be made. But my hope remains in our shared vision for the future: vibrant
faith communities, flourishing priests, and sustainable, mission-ready parishes.
Join me in prayer during this spiritual moment, as we continue to walk this path
together, and know that I’m praying for each of you.

Very sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,

Most Reverend Edward J. Weisenburger
Archbishop of Detroit