24 of the 36 families in the diocese will counter-propose mergers and closures

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini

4 minutes ago

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Twenty-four of the 36 parish families in the Diocese of Buffalo plan to make counterproposals to recommended mergers and closures that were proposed last month, the diocese said in a statement Monday.

Formal written alternative proposals must be submitted to the diocese by August 5.

“We look forward to meeting with all the families in our parishes to discuss what is best for us as we move forward on our journey of renewal,” said Father Bryan Zielenieski, diocesan vicar for renewal and development.

Final recommendations on mergers and closures are expected by September 1 after meetings with the 36 families will take place from August 12 to 22.

The mergers and closures were initially proposed because of financial difficulties related to child sex abuse settlement payments, declining Mass attendance and a shortage of priests.