New departure in Vechta: Christoph Schwerhoff expected as a provost!

New departure in Vechta: Christoph Schwerhoff expected as a provost!

In the diocese of Münster, a lot is happening, especially in pastoral care, where the Lower Saxony part of the diocese faces exciting changes. Dr. Markus Wonka, head of the pastoral care and pastoral staff in the Episcopal Official Office in Vechta, is optimistic about the current situation. "We found good casts," said Wonka. These new pastors will enrich the communities and are a step to keep the Christian faith in the region alive.

The new priests include pastors for the municipalities of St. Andreas in Cloppenburg and St. Peter and Paul in Cappeln. St. Willehad Nordenham and St. Marien in Brake also receive fresh impulses from new pastors. It should be emphasized that André Ciszewski has already taken office as a senior pastor in St. Catharina in Dinklage. These changes are part of a comprehensive realignment in the diocese, where you are increasingly focusing on pastoral spaces and driving the search for new ways in pastoral care. Church and Life reports on the dynamic atmosphere.

a new provost for Vechta

A special highlight in the coming months will be the appointment of Christoph Schwerhoff as the new provost of St. Mariä Himmelfahrt Vechta. Schwerhoff, who is currently working as a spiritual at the Goch-Gaesdonck boarding school, will be on August 15, 2025 by Bishop Dr. Felix Genn used his new office. On August 24, 2025, he will be ceremoniously introduced to the community.

The interested public could be there on December 12, 2024 at the presentation of Schwerhoff. The parish council and the pastoral team, who are looking forward to working with the new provost, were also expressed here. At this meeting, Auxiliary Bishop Wilfried Theising emphasized the importance of Schwerhoff's commitment. The future provost has worked in the pilgrimage community of St. Marien in Kevelaer for almost nine years, where he was able to gain extensive experience. From his time on the Lower Rhine, he brings a lot of know-how and sees parallels between the people there and that in the Oldenburg Münsterland. Office Vechta quotes Schwerhoff, who wants to present itself down-to-earth and reliably as a leadership.

look into the future

The impulses that arise from the change and the new occupations are pioneering for the communities. Wonka emphasizes how important it is that the church structures are adapted to the needs of the believers. The focus on the pastoral rooms is intended to help to carry the Christian faith directly into the hearts of people. Such measures could not only increase the number of worshipers, but also strengthen the sense of community.

With a committed team of pastoral careers, Schwerhoff also wants to personally contribute to the fact that faith in Vechta and the surrounding area remains alive. Here is the chance of pulling together together and redesigning pastoral care for the believers. The coming months promise to be exciting, and it remains to be seen how the changes will affect the community and its members. A look at the developments will certainly be worthwhile.