Future concepts for Catholic communities: challenges and solutions!

Future concepts for Catholic communities: challenges and solutions!

There are signs of change in the diocese of Eichstätt. The development towards sustainable pastoral concepts is a central issue that affects many communities in the region. The parish councils of three parishes in southern Nuremberg - Corpus Christi in Herpersdorf, Mariakönig in Kornburg and St. Rupert in Kettelersiedlung - set the course for a future concept for their parish association in 2018. Pastor Stephan Neufanger and pastoral advisor Agnes Meier are leading the project, supported by two community advisors from Eichstätt. In recent years, despite changing moods and the challenges posed by the corona pandemic, the group has proven to be stable and continues to grow steadily. Diocese of Eichstätt reports on the challenges that are troubling the communities: a shortage of priests, declining membership numbers and dilapidated real estate are just some of the issues that urgently need to be addressed.

The publication of framework conditions for pastoral concepts in June 2019 was an important step for the diocese. All 74 pastoral rooms must submit their concepts by December 2024. Currently, 58 of these concepts have already been completed. A seven-person committee of experts accompanies the creation and evaluation of these plans, which are intended to enable the congregations to transparently record church actions on site and to make decisions better. Particular attention is also paid to supporting the church in its pastoral care and working with local employees.

Financial stability in difficult times

There are also positive developments in the financial situation of the diocese of Eichstätt. According to the economic plan for 2025, revenues are estimated at 183 million euros, an increase compared to the 176.2 million euros last year. This is good news, especially given the high number of people leaving the church. Finance Director Christine Hüttinger explains that wage increases and increasing investment income have led to this increase. The Danube Courier emphasizes that church tax remains an important source of income and, at 106.4 million euros, accounts for 58% of total income.

The diocese has set itself the goal of only spending as much as it takes in and plans to limit budget spending to around 183 million euros. This includes an increase in construction work to a total of 12.7 million euros, which is closely linked to the necessary pastoral concepts. The subsidies for the diocesan Caritas associations and social services should also be increased in order to secure local support.

The way forward

The challenges for the church are enormous, and the diocese of Eichstätt is pursuing a concept of continuous pastoral planning. The Department for Pastoral Development is dedicated to questions regarding the future of Christianity and the corresponding needs in the communities. Diocese of Münster highlights the importance of rethinking existing behavioral patterns and finding new ways to meet 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 they want to proactively face the challenges. With committed congregations, stable financial planning and a clear vision for the future of pastoral care, the way forward is paved. All details about the ongoing projects and concepts can of course be viewed on the respective diocese websites.