The Catholic faith is declining in Metro Detroit, and it has been for a while. Last November, the Archdiocese announced a major effort to reshape the Church’s future here.

Earlier this year, the church revealed the global Catholic population is growing -- up more than 1.4 billion Catholics.

Fewer people are attending Mass across Metro Detroit, and the Archdiocese of Detroit has announced it is launching a two-year plan to restructure parishes, consolidate some churches, and realign resources to strengthen remaining communities.

Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger announced a significant two-year renewal process for the Archdiocese of Detroit, addressing challenges faced by the Catholic community in southeast Michigan.

Archbishop Edward Weisenburger announced the start of a two-year restructuring initiative for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament was filled Tuesday as Archbishop Edward Joseph Weisenburger was installed as the sixth Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Michigan's largest Catholic diocese gets its sixth archbishop.

After serving the community for more than a century, St. James Church held its last Mass on Sunday.

Funeral services for Thomas Gumbleton, a Catholic bishop in Detroit, will be held on Saturday, April 13, at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit.

Some families fighting to keep a St. Clair Shores catholic school from closing are reacting to upsetting news. Even though they raised a lot of money, St. Germaine Catholic School will still close permanently.

The Lent period is underway for local Christians, which means many local churches will be hosting fish fries on Fridays for those not eating meat.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Easter Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Detroit with Fr. Mario Amore.

A group of families is suing Michigan Catholic school’s over a rule they say discriminates against students from mostly Black areas.

Keersten Kassab got an email from St. Paul Catholic School which was termed an invitation not to return. While, technically, her daughter has not been expelled -- the letter achieves the same end.

Keersten Kassab got an email from St. Paul Catholic School which is termed an invitation not to return. While, technically, her daughter has not been expelled -- the letter achieves the same end.

Thousands of Arizona Catholics recently learned they may have been improperly baptized with the wrong words.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Detroit with Fr. Mario Amore.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Detroit with Fr. Mario Amore.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Detroit with Fr. Mario Amore.

The Archdiocese of Detroit said all are invited to celebrate Christmas by joining them for the Midnight Mass for the Nativity of the Lord.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Detroit with Fr. Mario Amore.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Detroit with Fr. Mario Amore.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Detroit with Fr. Mario Amore.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Detroit with Fr. Mario Amore.

More and more Hispanic families are joining the Catholic church. The Archdiocese of Detroit said it has seen a 49% increase since 2016.

The Archdiocese of Detroit is holding two “Remember Me” events in Metro to honor family members lost during the COVID pandemic.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Detroit with Fr. Mario Amore.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Detroit with Fr. Mario Amore.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Detroit with Fr. Mario Amore.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Detroit with Fr. Mario Amore.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Detroit with Fr. Mario Amore.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Detroit with Fr. Mario Amore.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

The Archdiocese of Detroit announced Wednesday that churchgoers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear a face mask inside Catholic churches.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Downtown Detroit.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Downtown Detroit.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Easter Sunday’s “Mass for the Resurrection of The Lord” from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Sunday Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed SacramentDETROIT – The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below. The mass begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 21, 2021. Watch live below

Sanar Yokhana, foreground, and Richard Lewandowski pray in front of a statue of St. Anthony during an Ash Wednesday service at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, in Detroit. The ashes, a symbol of penance, are made from palm leaves used in last year's Palm Sunday liturgy and were sprinkled on their head. The sprinkling, because of the pandemic, is a departure from the usual practice of making the sign of the cross on the forehead and follows an ancient method still common in parts of the world today. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)(Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed SacramentDETROIT – The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below. The mass begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 14, 2021. Watch live below

Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed SacramentDETROIT – The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below. The mass begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 7, 2021. Watch live below

DETROIT – The Archdiocese of Detroit is urging Catholics to return to mass on Sundays and Holy Days starting March 13, when dispensation from the obligation will expire. The dispensation from the obligation to attend mass was first issued when coronavirus pandemic swept into Michigan in March 2020. The Archdiocese of Detroit has extended that dispensation several times in the past 10 months, most recently in November when it was announced it would be extended until Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. Now, Catholics in the Detroit area are being advised to “to return to the heart and foundation of their faith” as they resume other activities. These individuals should also prepare to return to Mass in recognition of its preeminence in our lives as Catholics,” Archbishop Vigneron said in a letter to the faithful.

The mass will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2020. DETROIT – The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below. The mass begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 3. Watch live below

DETROIT – The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below. The mass begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 27. Watch live below

DETROIT – Join the Christmas Midnight Mass virtually this year streaming from Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. Watch live here at 12 a.m. Dec. 25, 2020:

DETROIT – The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below. The mass begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20. Watch live below

DETROIT – The Archdiocese of Detroit has announced plans to form 51 new families of parishes in an effort to better serve worshippers. The idea to form 51 families of parishes was conceived years ago amid a priest shortage, and is designed to help the diocese become more missionary. The Deacon says the transition will help spread resources and keep the doors of the churches open. “This allows us to keep the parishes open with fewer clergy and that’s our goal,” Houghton said. Officials say the transition will happen in two waves: one in January 2021 and the second in July.

DETROIT – The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below. The mass begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 8. Watch live below

DETROIT – For months, mass at St. Clare Montefalco Parish in Grosse Pointe Park has been different in many ways, but still celebrated weekly. Allen Vigneron, extended a blessing. Announced on Friday, the dispensation from the obligation to attend mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation was extended to Ash Wednesday, Feb, 17, 2021. Those who stay at home should keep holy the Lord’s Day by reading scripture or watching mass virtually. You can read the full letter from Reverend Allen H. Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit here.

DETROIT – Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at Noon. Archdiocese of Detroit: Mass dispensation extended until Ash WednesdayThe Archdioceses of Detroit announced Friday that mass dispensation for Catholics will be extended until Ash Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2021.

DETROIT – The Archdioceses of Detroit announced Friday that mass dispensation for Catholics will be extended until Ash Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2021. DispensationAfter carefully considering these and other factors, I am extending the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation for people living in or visiting the Archdiocese of Detroit until Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021. At the same time, one should not take advantage of the dispensation without a true need. To that end, many of our parishes have been broadcasting their services over the internet during these last several months. With assurances of my prayers for you, I remain,Sincerely yours in Christ,The Most Reverend Allen H. VigneronArchbishop of Detroit

DETROIT – The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below. The mass begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 8. Watch live below

DETROIT – The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below. The mass begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. Watch live below

DETROIT – The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below. The mass begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. Watch live below

DETROIT – The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below and on the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Facebook page. Watch live below

DETROIT – The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below and on the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Facebook page. Watch live below

DETROIT The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below and on the Archdiocese of Detroits Facebook page. Watch live below

DETROIT The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below and on the Archdiocese of Detroits Facebook page. Watch live below

DETROIT The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below and on the Archdiocese of Detroits Facebook page. Watch live below

DETROIT The Detroit archbishop has extended the dispensation, or exemption, from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation for Catholics in the Archdiocese of Detroit until Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. This includes all travelers during their time within the territory of the Archdiocese of Detroit, Archbishop Vigneron announced Friday. While the dispensation from the grave obligation to attend Sunday Mass is in effect, all baptized Catholics are reminded of the grave necessity they have to keep holy the Lords Day, reads a statement from Vigneron. Prayer and time for God, time for family, and works of charity should be central to a Catholics Sunday.Catholic leaders have been issuing waivers on Mass attendance since the coronavirus pandemic swept the world earlier this year. Read more: Across faiths, religious rules bent as virus alters worship

DETROIT The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday, Aug. 9. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below and on the Archdiocese of Detroits Facebook page. Watch live below

DETROIT The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday, Aug. 2. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below and on the Archdiocese of Detroits Facebook page. Watch live below

DETROIT The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass celebrated by Archbishop Vigneron from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday, July 26. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below and on the Archdiocese of Detroits Facebook page. Watch live below at 9 a.m.

DETROIT The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass celebrated by Archbishop Vigneron from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sundays. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below and on the Archdiocese of Detroits Facebook page. Watch live below at 9 a.m.

DETROIT The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass celebrated by Archbishop Vigneron from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sundays. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below and on the Archdiocese of Detroits Facebook page. Watch live below at 9 a.m.

DETROIT The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass celebrated by Archbishop Vigneron from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sundays. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below and on the Archdiocese of Detroits Facebook page. Watch live below at 9 a.m.

DETROIT The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Mass celebrated by Archbishop Vigneron from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sundays. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below and on the Archdiocese of Detroits Facebook page. Watch live below at 9 a.m.

DETROIT Phase two of churches reopening went into effect on Monday with several changes that include increased capacity, the Archdiocese of Detroit announced. The changes include the following:Churches are permitted to seat up to 50 percent capacity provided that face-coverings are still worn and physical distancing between households can be maintained. Their total capacity should be less than 50 percent if this number cannot be obtained while maintaining physical distancing. Outdoor Masses are permitted without a capacity limit provided physical distancing can be maintained. Read: Michigan churches sue Gov.

DETROIT The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast a private (closed-door) Mass celebrated by Archbishop Vigneron from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sundays. The faithful can watch and participate in real time below and on the Archdiocese of Detroits Facebook page. Watch live below at 9 a.m.

DETROIT The Archdiocese of Detroit allowed in-person masses to resume this week for the first time since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit the state in March. MORE: Archdiocese of Detroit announces resumption of public masses during coronavirus pandemicWhen churches reopened to the public for the first time this Sunday, social distancing measures were in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Still, the reopening is a special moment for catholics in Metro Detroit. Well since the church was open, my mom and I thought we could come to this church because it is our special church," Milaina said. It is up to the churches -- not state or local governments -- to decide when they want to reopen to the public.

DETROIT Local Catholics could begin returning to church on Tuesday, even while the state continues to implement measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Archdiocese of Detroit says mass can begin on Tuesday, although mass wont begin at the Archdiocese of Detroit until May 29. The Mass you may attend in the weeks ahead will look and feel quite different from the Mass you remember from two months ago. The Archdiocese of Detroit also issued updated guidelines for churches to return to service. These guidelines have taken into account expert advice from the medical community, liturgical experts, and public health leaders.

Tim Boyle/Getty ImagesSix Michigan priests, including three in Metro Detroit, have been charged in an ongoing investigation into sexual abuse by Catholic priests. In May, the AG's office issued charges against five Catholic priests, totaling 21 counts of criminal sexual conduct, including rape charges. Casey, who was a priest at St. Theodore of Canterbury Parish in Westland, was arrested Thursday in Oak Park, Michigan. Baker is charged with one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct -- sexual penetration with a person under 13 years old. Anyone with information about sexual abuse by clergy or church representatives is asked to call police or the Michigan Attorney General's Office at 844-324-3374 or aginvestigations@michigan.gov.

DETROIT - Rev. Eduard Perrone, 70, has been restricted from any public ministry due to a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor pending a church process, the Archdiocese of Detroit announced Sunday. Additionally, his name has been added to the Archdiocese of Detroit's list of clergy credibly accused of abuse. A further determination on the matter now falls to the Vaticans Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which reviews all cases involving the sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults by clergy. The timeline of Perrone's work history with the church is below:1978-1981: Associate Pastor, St. Peter Parish, Mt.