Diocese of Eichstätt: Future strategies for the church in Nuremberg!

Diocese of Eichstätt: Future strategies for the church in Nuremberg!

A lot is happening in the diocese of Eichstätt: Since 2018, the parish councils of the parishes of Corpus Christi in Herpersdorf, Mariakönig in Kornburg, St. Rupert in Kettelersiedlung and St. Wunibald have been dealing with important challenges in a committed future concept. The priest Stephan Neufanger and the pastoral advisor Agnes Meier lead this project, which has gained momentum thanks to the support of two community advisors from Eichstätt. From 2019 to 2024, Herbert Hänecke from the Corpus Christi Parish Council will document the progress.

The church as an institution is facing significant challenges: declining membership numbers, a lack of priests, declining church tax resources and dilapidated real estate are just a few of the points that require a solution. Despite these difficulties, the group remains active and creative, especially in Corona times, and organizes information meetings and questionnaires to involve community members.

A look at the financial situation

However, the economic plan for 2025 shows that the financial situation in the diocese of Eichstätt is stabilizing. Loud Danube Courier Revenues are estimated at 183 million euros, which represents a slight increase compared to the previous year. Although the number of people leaving the church has increased, an increase of 436,000 euros was achieved. Finance Director Christine Hüttinger attributes this to wage increases and increasing investment income.

Particular attention is also being paid to subsidies for school financing, which are expected to increase by almost one million euros to over 35 million euros. Despite these positive trends, head of office Thomas Schäfers emphasizes the need for changes to intensify pastoral care and to support pastoral staff. This is about using resources responsibly and focusing more closely on the needs of local people.

The path to future-oriented pastoral concepts

The diocese has set itself the goal of equipping all 74 pastoral rooms with its concepts by December 2024. By the end of May 2024, 58 concepts had already been completed. A seven-person panel of experts works on the submitted concepts, which demonstrates a high level of commitment and efficiency. For those responsible for pastoral care, it is crucial that church actions are recorded and future projects are planned in order to respond efficiently to the needs of the communities.

The Pastoral Development Department also brings important impulses to the discussion about the future of the church. It not only addresses being a Christian today, but also focuses on participation and the need to rethink existing thought structures.

The changes are a constant process, the success of which depends not only on the church itself, but also on the believers and the community. The isolation during the pandemic has underscored the urgency of actively addressing the needs of members. The coming months and years will show how well the diocese succeeds in translating these visions into concrete and sustainable concepts.