13 Jun 2026
Source: files.ecatholic.com
Crookston, MN Bishop Cozzens letter ending masses at four parishes: "Throughout this whole area of our diocese the population has been decreasing ...trend will continue with as much as a 40-60% decline in population. Some of these small parishes have no young people in religious formation, or at least very few.We also continue to experience a shortage of priests" Parishes ending masses: St. Francis Xavier, Oklee; St. Ann, Goodridge; St. Mary, Badger; St. Philip, Falun
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Bishop Andrew Cozzens
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June 13, 2026: Letter from Bishop Cozzens Regarding Northeast Deanery Decisions
TO: Diocese of Crookston Northeast Deanery Parishioners
FROM: The Most Rev. Andrew H. Cozzens
DATE: June 13, 2026
RE: Letter from Bishop Cozzens regarding Northeast Deanery Decisions
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Grace and peace to you.
Jesus last words to his disciples were, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
These words brought our ancestors to Northwest Minnesota more than a hundred years ago and have guided the work of the Church for generations. They continue to guide the decisions we make today, especially the knowledge that Jesus is always with us.
Today I am writing to share important decisions regarding the future celebration of Sunday Mass in several parishes of the Northeast Deanery of the Diocese of Crookston. I do so with gratitude for your faith, appreciation for your participation in this process, and awareness of the grief that many will experience upon receiving this news.
First, I want to thank the many parishioners of your parishes, clergy, and members of our Diocesan Planning Commission who have devoted countless hours to prayer, discussion, and discernment throughout the past year. Together, we have sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we considered how best to carry out the mission of making disciples in this region with the limited resources God allows.
These decisions will bring many of us to experience the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection. The life of the Church throughout the ages often reflects Jesus’ own life. With Jesus, we discover the path to new life comes through the Cross. He promises to be with us always (Mt 28:20) no matter our struggles, and we must trust in his promise to bring new life through our grief.
Consultation and Discernment Process
This decision is the culmination of an extensive process that began in the fall of 2025.
When it became clear that changes in priest assignments would mean one less priest in your area, it forced us to rethink how our parishes would be served in the future. Thus, we began a process of consultation and discernment. Last November, I personally visited the affected parishes to listen to parishioners, answer questions, and explain the process we would undertake together.
In December, parish discernment teams were formed with representatives from every parish involved. These teams met regularly throughout the winter and spring. They visited every church location, reviewed demographic and parish data, examined strengths and challenges, prayed together, and discussed how we might best fulfill the Church's mission in the years ahead.
Throughout the process, members of the Diocesan Planning Commission accompanied the work of the parish teams. I also met personally with representatives from each team to hear their recommendations and concerns directly this spring.
At the end of May, after receiving recommendations from the parish teams, the Diocesan Planning Commission gathered for prayer and discernment. Following their recommendation and after my own prayerful consideration, I accepted their proposal regarding the future celebration of Sunday Mass in the Northeast Deanery.
Why Change Is Necessary
The decision to cease celebrating Sunday Mass at a church is among the most difficult decisions a bishop must make.
Our parish churches are not simply buildings. They are sacred places where generations have gathered to celebrate the Eucharist, the source and summit of our life. They are places where families have celebrated central moments in their lives like baptisms, weddings, confirmations, funerals, anniversaries and countless Sundays gathered to hear his Word and to share in his Life.
At the same time, we must acknowledge the changes that have happened in our communities over the past decades.
Throughout this whole area of our diocese the population has been decreasing. Fewer people means schools have been combined, and civic resources are being shared throughout. And the demographers tell us this trend will continue with as much as a 40-60% decline in population in these counties in the next two decades. Some of these small parishes have no young people in religious formation, or at least very few. Some have trouble finding volunteers to keep the parish going. Some have trouble finding quality musicians to support the worship of God.
We also continue to experience a shortage of priests. While our priests serve generously, there are limits to the number and locations of Masses they can celebrate on any given weekend. We must ensure that they can provide sustainable pastoral care and remain true spiritual fathers to the communities entrusted to them.
Most importantly, we must focus on the mission of the Church. The goal is not simply to preserve structures but to build communities capable of evangelization, discipleship, outreach, and growth. By bringing resources together, we can strengthen parish life and create vibrant communities that will serve future generations.
Throughout this process, I have often reflected on Jesus' words in John 15 about pruning. Pruning is difficult, but it is done so that new growth may occur. While these decisions are painful, they are intended to help position our parishes for a hopeful and fruitful future.
The Decision
After these months of discernment and consultation, I have accepted the recommendation that Sunday Mass cease to be celebrated at the following churches:
St. Francis Xavier, Oklee
St. Ann, Goodridge
St. Philip, Falun
St. Mary, Badger
I know this announcement will bring sadness to many faithful Catholics. If this feels like a loss, it is because it truly is a loss. It is truly appropriate to grieve. The deep love people have for these churches and parish communities is a testament to the faith that has been lived there for generations.
Yet as Christians, we also know that the Paschal Mystery teaches us that death can lead to resurrection and that sacrifice can give way to new life.
Parish Meetings
I will personally visit each affected parish later this month to pray with parishioners, discuss the transition process, answer questions, and begin forming transition teams that will help guide the next steps.
The meetings are scheduled as follows:
St. Ann, Goodridge — Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
St. Francis Xavier, Oklee — Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
St. Mary, Badger — Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
St. Philip, Falun — Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
I encourage all parishioners to attend.
Final Sunday Masses
Mass will continue as currently scheduled throughout the summer.
The final Sunday Masses will be celebrated as follows:
Sunday, August 30, 2026
St. Philip, Falun
St. Mary, Badger
Sunday, September 20, 2026
St. Francis Xavier, Oklee
St. Ann, Goodridge
At this time, no decisions have been made regarding parish mergers, canonical status, or the future use of church buildings. Those matters will be discerned during the coming months.
A Word to the Whole Deanery
I also wish to speak to those parishes that will continue to celebrate Sunday Mass.
Your neighbors are making a significant sacrifice for the good of the Church. I ask you to welcome them with generosity, patience, and compassion. Walk beside them in their grief. Help them find a home in your communities. In doing so, you will embody the love of Christ and help build a stronger Church for future generations.
Looking Forward in Hope
Christian hope is not simply optimism. Hope acknowledges suffering while trusting that God remains at work.
I have witnessed communities face similar challenges before. While the process was difficult, God brought forth new life through the sacrifices that were made. Strong ministries developed, young families became engaged, and parish communities grew stronger.
I believe God desires the same future for us.
Throughout this transition, remain close to Jesus in the Eucharist. His Sacred Heart is filled with tender compassion for each of you. He sees your sorrow, walks with you in your grief, and will guide us forward.
Please know that I, our priests, the Diocesan Planning Commission, and Catholics throughout the Diocese of Crookston are praying for you. During the month of August, every parish in our diocese will be invited to pray in a special way for the communities affected by these changes.
We are one Body in Christ. Together, trusting in the Lord and relying on his grace, we will continue the mission he has entrusted to us.
May God bless you today and always.
Sincerely, in Christ,
The Most Reverend Andrew H. Cozzens, S.T.D., D. D.
Bishop of Crookston
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