What is a listening session?

Each parish in the Archdiocese of Detroit will hold two listening sessions open to the public in the spring of 2026. At Holy Name Parish we are holding listening sessions for Tuesday, May 19th and Thursday, May 21st from 7pm-9pm. These listening sessions are intended to gather feedback from parishioners about potential pastorate models — or groupings of parishes led by a pastor — involving their parish. Feedback during these listening sessions will be shared with the Core Planning Team and with Archbishop Weisenburger for his discernment.

What happens during these sessions?

Each parish will be presented with several models. Each model will propose different groupings of parishes that form pastorates within that specified geographic area, also known as a planning area. After the presentation, a facilitator will moderate the discussion as members of the community are invited to share their feedback on the models presented. A member of the parish community, identified by the pastor, will act as the scribe for the listening session and record the feedback to ensure that it is accurately captured and submitted.

How many listening sessions should I attend?

Everyone is encouraged to attend one session at their parish. Two options will be offered at each parish for convenience. Everyone in the archdiocese has the opportunity to attend one listening session at their parish and the chance to fill out the online survey, if they choose. Some people may choose to only do one option — attend the listening session or fill out the online survey — or neither, but that is up to them.