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Archbishop Alfred Hughes of New Orleans is asking his Catholic flock, including those far from the flood zone, to prepare for a reorganization of Catholic life befitting a church deeply damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

In a letter read from nearly 140 pulpits in early April, Hughes said “all sectors will share in some of the sacrifices involved” in a massive restructuring plan. One new parish will be created, some will be merged, some closed and others reduced to mission status, he said.