Structural changes in the diocese of Aachen: from 326 to 44 parishes by 2028

Von Kl Redaktion

new requirements for the structural reform in the diocese of Aachen

The diocese of Aachen has changed its plans for the planned structural reform. Originally, eight parishes in the entire area of ​​the diocese were to be formed by 2028. After intensive consultations, however, the diocese decided to postpone this specific date indefinitely. Instead, the existing 326 parishes are to be merged into 44 by 2028, as can be seen from a newsletter from the diocese. These should then be further developed into eight parishes in the long term.

why this change?

The decision to convert from eight to 44 parishes was made after an intensive advisory process. The new structure is based on the intended 44 pastoral rooms, which are to be set up by January 1, 2025. The third level of restructuring, which is asset law, should be completed by January 1, 2028 at the latest. This process includes the merging of existing parishes into a common corporation of public law within a pastoral space. The aim is that all church and asset units are congruent by 2028.

integration of the communities

The structural reform was decided in May 2022 by the Aachen Synodal Circle. Despite criticism on the part of the “Church remains here”, Bishop defended the procedure when planning the reform. He emphasized that the regions and parishes were actively involved in the discussions about the reorganization and were able to contribute their opinions. The structural reform should also take into account the needs and concerns of the municipalities.

geographical location of the diocese of Aachen

The diocese of Aachen extends over an area of ​​4,022 square kilometers in western Germany. It extends from the Northern Eifel to the Lower Rhine and borders the dioceses Cologne, Münster, Essen, Trier, Liège (Belgium) and Roermond (Netherlands). The diocese comprises a total of 57 municipalities, of which Catholics in the big cities of Aachen, Mönchengladbach and Krefeld. The remaining believers live in the 54 other communities of the diocese.

- Nag