A Family of Parishes is a grouping of three or more parishes that collaborate in deeper and more intentional ways than parishes have ever done before. Each parish in a Family will retain its own unique identity, similar to how each sibling has his or her own unique role in the family.

The transition to this new model will happen in two waves, with 26 Families being activated in July of 2021 and 25 Families in July of 2022.

Families of Parishes will not only involve changes in the way pastors will govern parishes, but it will also involve a renewal of parish staffing structures. These staff positions will be adapted to better reflect the priorities of Synod ’16, as expressed in Unleash the Gospel.

As parishes come together into Families, their staffs will begin to work together to more effectively help all people within their boundaries encounter, grow, and witness to Christ.

Central Macomb Vicariate Family 4

WAVE 2 — JULY 1, 2022

• St. Blase Parish, Sterling Heights

• St. Ephrem Parish, Sterling Heights

• St. Martin de Porres Parish, Warren

• St. Michael Parish, Sterling Heights

• Here are some things that you can do to prepare for the transition to Families:

  • Explore the Families of Parishes website to see the Family and wave your parish will participate in.
  • Read Archbishop Vigneron’s Pastoral Note Led by the Spirit on Mission.
  • Pray daily for all the leaders in your Family and for the Holy Spirit to guide you and them in the transition.
  • Get to know the parish leaders and ministries offered in the other parishes in your Family.
  • Form study groups with members from all parishes in your Family to read and discuss Unleash the Gospel or Led by the Spirit on Mission.
  •  As appropriate, invite sibling parishes to speaker events, formation opportunities, small groups, picnics, concerts, etc.
  •  Create Christian Service opportunities that can include members from the other parishes in your Family. 
  • Become familiar with best practices in your particular area of ministry by exploring the SPARK knowledgebase.