New year, new community: Lörrach is planning a merged large community!

On January 6, 2025, a well-attended reception took place in Lörrach after a festive service in the St. Fridolin Church. The singing ensemble Canto Allegro organized the service and numerous people toasted the New Year in the parish hall. Roland Jakob-Roetne, the chairman of the parish council, thanked people for their willingness to help in difficult times.

Last year, the star singers in Lörrach and Inzlingen collected 40,000 euros for children in need. A look back at 2024 showed progress in church music in particular. In September, 30 parish councils from eight Catholic communities in the Wiesental deanery signed the founding agreement for a new large community. The merger of these communities is planned for January 2026.

Structure of the new parish

The new parish will be divided into three areas, each of which will be cared for by specific pastoral staff. A leadership team has already been determined: Joachim Giesler will act as senior pastor, while Dean Gerd Möller will act as deputy. Matthias Wößner was named as the senior advisor to the pastoral staff. In addition, a parish economist should be found for the administrative office in Schopfheim by March. There will be elections in October for a new parish council that will replace the old parish councils. In the future, this parish council will decide on the budget of the municipality of Wiesental-Dreiländereck.

At the same time, the opening of the star singers for the diocese of Osnabrück took place in the Hümmlingen parish of the Assumption of Mary. Over 230 star singers from various parishes took part in the event, which included workshops and a children's rights course. The annual motto for 2025, “Raise your voice – star singing for children’s rights,” ran through the entire event.

Bishop Dominicus and the star singer campaign

Bishop Dominicus Meier OSB celebrated the sending service, which was broadcast live. The organization was taken over by the BDKJ in the Diocese of Osnabrück, supported by 75 volunteers from the Lorup parish. In the children's rights course, the participants learned, among other things, about their right to be loud, to education and leisure time. At various workshops, the children were able to try out craft and sporting activities, including making children's rights bracelets and pencil cases.

The parade to the Church of the Assumption of Mary, led by Bishop Dominicus and the star singers, was secured by the volunteer fire department and cheered by numerous spectators. The children actively participated in the service with drums and songs. Pastor Peter Winkeljohann welcomed the visitors and Bishop Dominicus, while community speaker Manuela Sauder spoke about the rights to happiness in children's lives.

Bishop Dominicus emphasized the importance of a fearless and dignified life for all children. The proceeds from the star singer campaign benefit the partner regions of Kenya and Colombia. The bishop reported on his experiences in Kenya and the positive influence that the star singers have there.

Overall, the event was described by the organizers and helpers as successful and atmospheric.