RE: Davenport West Parishes

NEWS - For Immediate Release

DIOCESE OF DAVENPORT 
Department of Communication 
Deacon David Montgomery, Chancellor 
Diocese of Davenport 
PHONE:  563-888-4222 [email protected]

October 11, 2019 

RE:  Davenport West Parishes 
From Bishop Zinkula: 
I am considering merging St. Mary Parish into one or more neighboring parish communities.  At this point, no decision has been made to close St. Mary Church.  I am exploring ways to assist the parishes on the west side of Davenport to grow as communities of faith. 
One of these parishes, St. Mary, is in particular need of assistance.  The number of parishioners has been decreasing over the years.  There are some financial and staffing concerns.  St. Mary is the parish home for three separate faith communities: Hispanic, Anglo and parishioners who participate in the extraordinary form of the Eucharistic liturgy. 
Some questions to be considered.  What is the best way to serve the people on the west side of Davenport, including the communities at St. Mary, to grow in their faith?  How might the St. Mary communities join with neighboring parishes to add faith-filled vitality, not only to those communities themselves, but also to the neighboring parishes that welcome them? 
Perhaps this is an opportunity to strengthen parish communities and to evangelize others by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Deanery clergy and parish leaders have begun to explore these possibilities.  Additional parish representatives of the three communities will be invited to join in this discussion as we look to the future of this area of the local church. 
Change is often difficult, especially when we have not yet identified the best route to take. We will try to be open to the Holy Spirit and the people affected by these deliberations as we continue on this journey. 
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