Bishop Thomas John Paprocki shared his thoughts about the study and gave some insight about next steps.

“I am grateful for the broad participation that we received with this study,” he said. “There is tremendous enthusiasm amongst the faithful about the future of our church, and I am certain that I will receive the feedback I need to make an informed and prayerful decision.”

The Steier Group, a Catholic

fundraising firm out of Omaha, Neb., conducted the planning study, and is in the process of preparing its findings and recommendations. The report will be provided to Bishop Paprocki in mid-December, and a decision on whether to move forward will be forthcoming.

“I plan to share my decision as well as the results of the planning study with everyone in the diocese in the near future,” Bishop Paprocki said. “Thanks to everyone who participated in the study, and as always I ask that you please keep me and all of your brothers and sisters in your prayers, as I will keep you in my prayers.”