Diocese of Portland announces new Director of Pastoral Planning, Parish Vitality, and Mission Integration

Michael Brough, a seasoned leader with extensive experience in pastoral planning, leadership development, evangelization, and church management, has been appointed director of pastoral planning, parish vitality, and mission integration for the Diocese of Portland, effective June 30, 2026.

Reporting to the vicar general, this newly created role will support disciplined evaluation and long-range planning for parish life across the diocese. It will provide a consistent framework for examining pastoral, demographic, financial, and organizational realities so that parish communities can be strengthened, remain mission-focused, and stay rooted in the Gospel and the mission of the Church.

“Michael’s background in consulting for Catholic organizations, leading Catholic nonprofits, and advising dioceses makes him exceptionally well suited for this new role,” said Very Reverend Kyle Doustou, vicar general. “Just as importantly, his deep faith, collaborative style, and commitment to service will be a great asset as we support our parishes and priests.”

Brough has worked with parishes and dioceses across the United States and internationally. He was the first lay executive director of Renew International, a Catholic parish renewal and evangelization apostolate based in New Jersey, and more recently served as an executive partner with Leadership Roundtable, a Catholic nonprofit focused on leadership development and best practices in pastoral planning and church management.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this important pastoral planning role, with parish vitality as our central goal,” said Brough. “I look forward to getting to know the parishes, clergy, and lay leaders of Maine and to helping advance Bishop Ruggieri’s vision of the parish as a center for mission, where people are transformed by Christ and sent forth to share the Gospel. We are called to be good stewards of our pastoral and temporal resources so that a sustainable missionary presence can flourish throughout the state.”

Brough holds a Master of Pastoral Studies from Loyola University New Orleans and a Master of Arts in Social Anthropology from the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

“Michael brings to this work a deeply collaborative approach, grounded in servant leadership and shaped by a strong sense of accountability,” said Bishop James T. Ruggieri. “His experience and pastoral sensitivity will help us strengthen the ways we support priests, diocesan leaders, and parish communities as we plan thoughtfully for the future and continue to build up the Church’s mission across Maine.”