Catholic churches across Rapides Parish will begin operating under a new structure July 1, 2026, as the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria implements its “Together as One Church” pastoral plan.

In a Dec. 3 letter to parishioners, Robert W. Marshall Jr. announced the completion of the nearly two-year planning process. The first visible step will come June 1, 2026, when new clergy assignments are announced. From that point, pastors will have up to one year to carry out the required adjustments in their parishes.

For many congregations in Rapides Parish, the changes will mean new leadership structures, possible Mass schedule adjustments and, in some cases, the closing of long-standing chapels or missions.

What is changing in Rapides Parish

According to diocesan documents, the following locations in the parish are scheduled to close within one year of implementation:

• St. Cyril Chapel in Flatwoods

• St. Jude Mission in Sieper

• St. Winifred Chapel in Effie

One community will see an elevation in status: Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Forest Hill will become a canonical Parish with a resident pastor. Additionally, St. Edward Church in Fishville will begin the process of becoming a canonical parish and will initially operate in a shared pastorate with St. Mary in Jena.

Several churches will remain open but will share pastors or operate as missions:

• St. Margaret Church (Boyce) and St. Rita Church (Alexandria) will operate in a shared pastorate.

• St. Martin Church (Lecompte) and St. Joseph Church (Cheneyville) will operate in a shared pastorate.

• St. John the Baptist Church in Deville will serve the Mission of St. John the Baptist in Moncla.

• St. Louis Church in Glenmora will serve the Mission of St. Peter in Elmer.

• St. Joseph Church in Colfax will serve the St. Patrick Mission in Montgomery.

A number of larger parishes will continue with a resident pastor, though some are contingent on clergy availability:

• Alexandria: Our Lady of Prompt Succor, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, and St. Juliana Church.

• Tioga: Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (as long as sufficient priests are available).

• Pineville: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (as long as sufficient priests are available).

• Alexandria: St. Frances Cabrini Church and St. James Memorial Church (as long as sufficient priests are available).

• Woodworth: Mary, Mother of Jesus Church.

• Kolin: Sts. Francis and Anne Church (as long as sufficient priests are available).

What “closing,” “amalgamating,” and “suppressing” mean

Diocesan leaders emphasized that these terms have specific meanings in church law but may feel very personal to parishioners.

• A closure means the church building will no longer be used regularly for Mass or parish activities. The final decision about what happens to the building — whether it becomes a chapel used occasionally, is sold, repurposed, or demolished — will be made following church procedures.

• Suppression means a parish’s legal identity within the Church is extinguished. The parish no longer exists as its own entity, and its territory becomes part of another parish.

• Amalgamation is a merger. One parish remains active while another is suppressed and folded into it. Assets, debts, and sacramental records transfer to the receiving parish.

Diocesan officials stressed that baptisms, marriages, confirmations, and other sacraments remain fully valid. Parish records will be transferred to the designated parish and remain accessible for certified copies and genealogical requests.

What a shared pastor means

In shared pastorates, one priest or pastoral team oversees more than one parish. Each parish keeps its own finance and pastoral councils, bank accounts, and sacramental records. However, Mass schedules may be coordinated so the priest can travel between churches.

Priest salaries, benefits, and living expenses are shared among the participating parishes, and the pastor typically resides at one rectory. For parishioners, this could mean changes in Mass times or combined ministries such as religious education and adult faith formation.

Why the changes are happening

The diocese cited several factors behind the restructuring, including declining population and Mass attendance in some areas, a shortage of priests, financial challenges, and the cost of maintaining multiple facilities within small geographic areas.

Bishop Marshall acknowledged that the changes may be difficult, especially where churches serve as community gathering spaces. The goal of the plan is to strengthen parish life, ensure long-term sustainability, and maintain vibrant sacramental care.

As July 1 approaches, parishioners can expect continued communication from pastors regarding specific timelines and local details.