Dutch Diocese to Close Over 75% of Parishes

Catholic Culture ^ | 2/10/15

[marshmallow]

In the next three years, the number of parishes in the Dutch diocese of Groningen-Leeuwarden will be reduced from 80 to 19, according to L’Osservatore Romano.

Bishop Gerard de Korte, who has led his diocese since 2008, said that a “new missionary strategy” was needed and that the reduction should be looked upon as a time of opportunity, not of despair.

“Eighty communities of faith will remain,” added the bishop, who said that the communities could share space with a Protestant church or meet in school auditoriums.

[marshmallow]

Springtime!

[Alex Murphy]

In the next three years, the number of parishes in the Dutch diocese of Groningen-Leeuwarden will be reduced from 80 to 19, according to L’Osservatore Romano. Bishop Gerard de Korte, who has led his diocese since 2008, said that a “new missionary strategy” was needed and that the reduction should be looked upon as a time of opportunity, not of despair.

Opportunity? You're stepping in it!

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

It seems as if the old organized religions are dying. "The Great Apostasy?"

Prediction: Mass conversions to Islam.

[sparklite2]

I would, wooden shoe?

[Trapped Behind Enemy Lines]

Meanwhile....the mosques in Europe are packed to capacity.

If it weren’t for the tourists, the great cathedrals in Europe would be almost completely empty.

[hinckley buzzard]

A friend of mine went to Mass one day in the Duomo in Florence last year. She and a few old ladies were present for the eucharist. A magnificent, historic edifice but, that was it.

[Rashputin]

From what I've read regarding the past Dutch Bishops, if they had closed 75% of the Parishes and defrocked 75% of the Dutch Bishops and other Dutch clergy in the late sixties and early seventies the Church in Europe wouldn't be in nearly the sorry shape it's now in.

JMHo