Future concepts for Catholic communities: challenges and solutions!
Future concepts for Catholic communities: challenges and solutions!
In the diocese of Eichstätt, the signs are on change. The development towards sustainable pastoral concepts is a central topic that affects many communities in the region. The parish councils of three parishes in South-Nuremberg-Corpus Christi in Herpersdorf, Maria Queen in Kornburg and St. Rupert in Kettelersiedlung-set the course for a future concept for their parish association in 2018. Pastor Stephan Neufanger and the pastoral officer Agnes Meier lead the project, supported by two municipal advisors from Eichstätt. In recent years, despite changing moods and the challenges of Corona pandemic, the group has proven to be stable and continues to grow steadily. diocese Topics.
The publication of framework conditions for pastoral concepts in June 2019 was an important step for the diocese. Until December 2024, all 74 pastoral rooms have to present their concepts. Currently, 58 of these concepts have already been completed. A seven -member expert body accompanies the creation and evaluation of these plans, which should enable the communities to transparently record church action on site and to make decisions better. Particular attention is also paid to the support of the church in their pastoral care and working with the employees on site.
financial stability in difficult times
A positive development is also emerging in the financial situation of the diocese of Eichstätt. According to the economic plan for 2025, income is estimated at 183 million euros, which means an increase compared to the 176.2 million euros in the previous year. This is a good news, especially in view of the high number of church resignations. Financial director Christine Hüttinger explains that especially wage increases and increasing capital gains have led to this plus. The Donaukurier emphasizes that the church tax is still significant and with 106.4 Millions of euros 58% of total income.
The diocese is set to spend as much as it takes, and plans to limit the budget editions to around 183 million euros. This includes an increase in construction measures to a total of 12.7 million euros, which is closely linked to the necessary pastoral concepts. The grants for the diocesan Caritas associations and social services are also to be increased to ensure the support on site.
The way forward
The challenges for the church are enormous, and the diocese of Eichstätt pursues a concept of continuous pastoral planning. The specialist office for pastoral development is devoted to questions regarding the future of being Christian and the corresponding needs in the communities. Diocese of Münster emphasizes how important it is to retress and new ways to meet the current challenges. The aim is to develop strategies and measures that make church life futuristic and lively.
The next steps in the diocese of Eichstätt show that you want to proactively face the challenges. With committed communities, stable financial planning and a clear vision for the future of the pastoral, the path is paved forward. All details on the ongoing projects and concepts can of course be viewed on the respective websites of the diocese.
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| Ort | Eichstätt, Deutschland |
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