Upheaval in pastoral care: New faces and challenges in Vechta

Upheaval in pastoral care: New faces and challenges in Vechta

Pastoral care in the diocese of Münster is facing major changes. In a current communication, Markus Wonka, head of the pastoral care and pastoral care staff department at the Episcopal Office in Vechta, describes the challenges that affect the regional pastoral care area. “The situation will soon get worse,” emphasizes Wonka, pointing out that despite the difficulties, there are also positive developments ahead. Christoph Schwerhoff is expected to be the new provost of St. Mariä Himmelfahrt Vechta in the course of 2025.

Schwerhoff, who was appointed on August 15, 2025 by Bishop Dr. Felix Genn brings a wealth of experience with him. He currently works as a spiritual director at the Goch-Gaesdonck boarding school and has served as a chaplain in the pilgrimage community of St. Marien in Kevelaer for almost nine years. When he introduced himself, he appeared to be down-to-earth and reliable - qualities that he finds suitable for the people in Oldenburger Münsterland. He sees it as his job to keep the Christian faith alive in the region with a committed team. Auxiliary Bishop Wilfried Theising and various committees were present at the announcement and spoke positively about Schwerhoff's future role.

Realignment of pastoral care

In the context of the changes, Bishop Genn published a letter to the pastors of the diocese. He shares his insights from the World Synod in Rome and emphasizes that pastoral tasks should no longer be taken on by individuals as all-rounders in the future. Instead, a team-oriented, supportive way of working is required. This development is necessary as a response to the declining number of pastors and the associated time resources.

The common tasks in the pastoral area include diakonia, liturgy, proclamation and community building. Genn emphasizes that the role of pastors in the future will also include the qualification and support of volunteers. In 2026, joint management teams made up of full-time and volunteers are to be installed in order to better master the challenges. “The time of clericalism is over,” says Genn, he calls for a new type of cooperation in pastoral care that helps to proclaim the Good News under changed conditions.

A new wind in the communities

The personnel changes in the diocese affect not only the provosts, but also the parishes directly. Numerous new pastors have already taken up their positions or will soon be appointed to the following parishes:

• St. Andreas Cloppenburg
• St. Peter und Paul Cappeln
• St. Willehad Nordenham
• St. Marien Brake

Markus Wonka describes these new line-ups as “good line-ups” that could bring a fresh impetus to church work. André Ciszewski has already started as senior pastor at St. Catharina in Dinklage.

Developments in pastoral care are opening up many new possibilities. It remains to be seen what impact these changes will have on communities and people's faith. One thing is certain: the process of change is in full swing and is bringing a breath of fresh air into the pastoral role in the diocese of Münster.