(KIMT News 3)--The Archdiocese of Dubuque is undertaking a major restructuring of its parishes across northern Iowa, including areas such as Mason City, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and Dubuque.

The plan, called Journey in Faith , proposes merging 161 parishes into 27 to 29 pastorates by 2027. If implemented, at least 83 churches would no longer hold weekend Mass, primarily in rural areas.

The Archdiocese has cited a shortage of priests as a reason for the changes. Active priests have declined from 117 in 2006 to 85 in 2025, with projections indicating 65 by 2026. Approximately 27 percent of active priests are over 60 years old, and 24 percent are international priests.

According to parishioners, feedback at parish meetings has been limited. Meetings are led by volunteers using predeterm

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