From the official website of the Archdiocese of Detroit

Parish Clustering: Cluster Guidelines

Definition of a Clustered Parish:
A clustered parish has a priest as its pastor, however the priest may live at another location and be pastor of more than one community.  The communities each have a Parish Pastoral Council, and may or may not have geographical boundaries.  (See Canons 516, 517, 518, 536, 905)
 
Rationale:
The Church of the Archdiocese of Detroit cannot continue to operate as did the Church of the last century because of the continuing impact of urban sprawl, fewer priests, the new immigrant and constant changes in economics and ministry needs.  The clustering of parishes and the collaboration of parishes within vicariate boundaries will allow for a more effective expression of Church through the sharing of human and capital resources and the coordination of ministerial activities.
 
Goal:
The goal of clustering parishes is that the identity of each parish will be respected and maintained.  Through good stewardship of resources by coordinating ministerial activities, the sharing of staff, program expenses and capital resources, parishes can sustain a vibrant and life-giving community.
 
Expectations:
Parish communities will become more life giving and self-sustaining through the establishment of common goals and the sharing of resources while maintaining individual parish identity.
New friendships and new small faith communities will emerge within the larger community when collaboration occurs across generational, racial and cultural lines.  Parishes will maintain a neighborhood presence of an evangelizing Catholic community especially in areas with few Catholics.

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