Parish Restructure Update for Cluster 3 Background Since February 20, 2025, when Bishop James Ruggieri met with parish leaders (Finance and Pastoral Council members) and representatives from each worship site on the vision of the parish, the priests of Cluster 3 have been engaging with parishioners to explain the proposed restructuring. Throughout March, we informed the faithful about potential worship site combinations and listened to their feedback. Community Response
The idea of restructuring has generated mixed feelings, primarily due to concerns about possible church closures. Over four weeks, we held town hall meetings at each worship site to address questions and gather suggestions.
Survey Results. This past weekend, a survey was conducted, particularly focusing on churches proposed to join Van Buren, Caribou, or Presque Isle. The responses were as follows: Presque Isle Preference
St. Joseph (Mars Hill): 40 were present—all opted for Presque Isle.
Our Lady of the Lakes (Portage): 36 were present—30 chose Presque Isle, while 6 were open to either Caribou or Presque Isle, stating they would attend Mass wherever it was held.
St. Mark (Ashland): 32 were present—all preferred Presque Isle. Some people present that day, also proposed naming the new cluster "Immaculate Conception Parish."
Caribou Preference
St. Denis (Fort Fairfield): 50 were present—45 chose Caribou, while 5 preferred Presque Isle.
St. Catherine (Washburn): 20 were present—15 opted for Caribou, while 3 preferred Presque Isle due to better winter road maintenance. (I agree with this reasoning, having experienced the same travel conditions.) and the two others were not bothered where they will be associated to so long as there is mass being offered in Washburn.
St. Theresa (Stockholm): 18 were present—all favored Caribou; none chose Van Buren.
Sacred Heart (North Caribou):39 were present—27 preferred Van Buren, while 12 chose Caribou.
Reasons for choosing Caribou:
Different mindset compared to the Valley.
Questioned why two churches in the same town would be separated.
Lack of faith formation at their worship site.
St. Louis (Limestone): 38 were present (lowest attendance)—22 chose Van Buren, while 16 preferred Caribou. Normally the attendance is between 50 and 70.
Proposed Way Forward
From the survey it means that Van Buren will go with Hamlin, North Caribou and Limestone, Caribou will take Washburn, Fort Fairfield and Stockholm and Presque Isle will go with Mars Hill, Ashland and Portage Lake.
The next way Foward is: At the end of each mass, I will be gathering your opinion on what is your favorable times for mass so that I may have an idea when proposing a tentative mass time.
Thank you
Fr Anthony Korir SMA With you a Christian For you a priest