Armagh sets out six-year plan to strengthen parish life

The Archdiocese of Armagh has introduced a six-year plan for 2026 through 2032 to strengthen parish life. The plan includes 14 proposals organized into five missionary pathways: faith formation, liturgy, youth and family outreach, evangelization, and prayer.

The proposals include the creation of regional youth and family hubs to bring people together across parish boundaries. To support young people, the Archdiocese intends to implement a new discipleship and leadership program for those who have completed Confirmation. Other elements of the plan involve a family-centered approach to sacramental preparation, increased formation for clergy and lay ministers, and a strategy for digital evangelization.

These developments build upon Archbishop Eamon Martin’s recent pastoral letter, "Go, Rebuild My Church," and the diocesan Congress on Youth, Family and Faith held earlier this year. The Archdiocese noted that the plan addresses challenges such as declining numbers of active clergy, changing participation patterns, and varying levels of local capacity within parishes.