Archdiocese says St. Cornelius in Dryden among those considered for closure

Final decision not until July 2027

DRYDEN — St. Cornelius Church in Dryden is among those being considered for restructuring within the next year.

The Dryden church  is among several Catholic churches within the Archdiocese of Detroit that are in the midst of a two-year restructuring plan that could lead some houses of worship, including Dryden’s location, to potentially close their doors. 

Recently, parishioners met for a “time of listening” where three options were discussed. Comment was also allowed from those in attendance who thought they might have a different alternative.

The limited number of priests serving in the Catholic Church overall and financial concerns continue to be two key factors in any future decisions. No final decision has been made, but one option could be to shutter the Drdyen location in 2027. 

Top officials in the Catholic Church say a number of churches are in need of major repairs and maintenance while giving has diminished in recent years. The Archdiocese says the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 impacted attendance and many churches have never fully recovered in numbers.

Officials say the current “restructuring” is the archdiocese’s biggest overhaul in years. Announced last fall, Archbishop Edward Weisenburger said the archdiocese can’t maintain the roughly 200 existing parish buildings and is working to “right-size” the archdiocese, along with its personnel and financial resources.

In one scenario, St. Clair County has 12 parishes, five of which wouldn’t have Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass. Included are Sacred Heart in Yale, St. Edward on the Lake in Lakeport, Holy Trinity in Port Huron, St. Christopher in Marysville and Immaculate Conception in Ira Township.

In Lapeer County and part of northern Macomb County, which includes 10 parishes, St. Mary Burnside in North Branch and St. Cornelius in Dryden would not have weekend Mass.

“The restructuring models that were presented during the listening sessions are not the final plan. We can change the outcome, but it requires your continued support,” according to a message posted Thursday on the parish website. 

Models are draft proposals “intended to solicit feedback from parishioners.” No decisions have been made regarding pastorate groupings, weekend Mass schedules or any other aspect of the restructuring process.

Archdiocese officials say they understand “the deep concern and sadness” that many parishioners are feeling, noting those feelings “are completely valid.”

The Archdiocese of Detroit recently completed listening sessions meant to garner feedback on the models, but parishioners can still share input through July 31.

The archdiocese is planning to announce the final plans in April 2027, and the implementation of the plans is expected to begin on July 1 of that year.

Archbishop Weisenburger gave the following statement on the website while addressing parishioners in regards to the restructuring.

“While I believe that our commitment to Christ and his church means that we must face these challenges, I do not believe that this moment in time need be marked primarily by anxiety or despair. 

“Rather, I believe the situation we are facing is one that holds real and blessed opportunities. I believe with all my heart that God is inviting us to reimagine parish life, priestly ministry, and our mission. I believe God is asking us to face our future with creativity and deeper faith and trust that if we ask him, then he will show us the way toward building something vibrant, sustainable, and enduring into the future.”

Weisenburger went on to say: “This is why I am inviting every Catholic in our Archdiocese to join me in a serious two-year process (begun in 2025) of Archdiocesan restructuring. It will be a journey of discernment that I believe we can accomplish only together — a time for us to chart the best path forward for each of our parish communities and regions. In such an endeavor, every voice matters, just as every prayer matters.     

The end result will affect each parish and community of our Archdiocese, so each of you has a part to play in shaping the future of our church.

It is important to be honest about what this restructuring may bring. We know that we cannot maintain the same number of parish buildings that we have today. Some parish communities may see changes in how or where they gather, while others may be called to see church buildings closed - structures that have been dear to their hearts for generations.

But just as there will be mourning over losses or changes in parish life, there likewise will be new blessings with enhanced locations, renewed communities, and the ability to redirect our efforts toward sharing the Gospel and making disciples.

I believe that as we work to right-size the Archdiocese and reallocate our personnel and financial resources, the footprint of the Church’s presence — her mission, her faith, and her people — will remain. Each parish will host two listening sessions where you will have a chance to share your insights, hopes, and dreams for the future of your local parish and the Archdiocese.”