“The Roman Catholic Diocese of Crookston In Minnesota, USA, Will Stop Holding Sunday Mass At Seven Churches As It Grapples With A Shortage Of Priests, Declining Attendance & Shrinking Rural Populations” – Bishop Andrew Cozzens Decries

“The Roman Catholic Diocese of Crookston In Minnesota, USA, Will Stop Holding Sunday Mass At Seven Churches As It Grapples With A Shortage Of Priests, Declining Attendance & Shrinking Rural Populations” – Bishop Andrew Cozzens Decries

Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Crookston in Minnesota, USA, has decried that his diocese will stop holding Sunday Mass at seven churches as it grapples with shortage of priests, declining attendance and shrinking rural populations.

He called the decision “one of the most difficult” of his ministry, citing aging congregations, lack of young people in religious formation, too few volunteers, and too few priests to sustainably serve every parish.

According to him, the closures will reduce the diocese from 65 to 58 parishes.

The bishop also warned that some northern Minnesota counties are projected to lose 40% to 60% of their population over the next 20 years, further straining parish life.