Brenda Kresky
is the director of planning
for the Diocese of St. Cloud.By Brenda Kresky
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth.”
This timeless prayer is more than words — it is a call for transformation through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Every step of the All Things New pastoral planning process begins in prayer, inviting the Spirit to lead us as we navigate a season of significant change for our diocesan family.
Where we are in the process
By the end of January, the Committee for the Affirmation of Plans had reviewed proposals from all 29 Area Catholic Communities, setting the stage for the next phase of discernment. Regarding ACCs, it’s important to understand what this means: Some plans will be affirmed by the CAP as presented, while others may be adjusted based on data and dialogue between the CAP and the ACC’s planning representatives. These conversations are not easy — sometimes they require asking difficult questions or addressing delayed decision-making because of the perceived impact on communities.
When the CAP affirms a plan, it is the beginning of the approval process, not the end. The next step involves the Presbyteral Council (a representation of priests of each deanery), where the bishop listens to feedback before he makes decisions regarding a comprehensive diocesan plan.
Facing difficult emotions
We know this process is hard. Parishioners have shared deep concerns about beloved churches and communities, and emotions run high. Comments like, “Doesn’t the diocese want anyone to go to church?” or “The diocese is abandoning us,” reflect real feelings, even if they are not accurate. Blame and threats do not help. What does help is sharing stories — stories of faith, community and why these places matter.
Sometimes there are misconceptions. One misconception is that the diocese profits from parish closures. This is not true. Parish funds, almost without exception, remain within the new parish structure. The goal is stewardship: using resources wisely for the common good. Everything we have, including our finances, comes from God. ACCs were created to share resources and collaborate, building each other up rather than competing.
This process is not about punishment or profit; it is about renewal and sustainability for generations to come. Our guiding principles — missionary discipleship, sacramental life, engaging laity, listening as a way of being Church and prudent stewardship — anchor every decision.
Jesus reminds us in John 15:1–2: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.” Pruning is a loving act that promotes growth. Spiritually, pruning strengthens us for greater fruitfulness. In this moment, we are called to trust God’s shaping hand, redirecting energy toward vibrant communities rather than maintaining structures that no longer serve the mission. This is not loss for its own sake — it is transformation for a greater purpose.
To learn more and for additional resources, visit stcdio.org/all-things-new.