WNY parishioners torn by Buffalo Diocese mergers and closures

Buffalo, New York (WBEN) – As the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo continues to “reshape” its plan over the coming weeks, local parishioners are feeling many mixed emotions regarding the merger and closure of nearly 80 parishes in Western New York .

Diocese of Buffalo leaders met with a number of parish families over the past week and made closure and merger recommendations for each region. Parishes have until July 15 to make a counter-proposal or accept the recommendations.

The full list of churches that will close or merge with another parish will be finalized by September 1.

Local parishioner Teri Donner of Clarence is among those who have been following the evolution of the diocese’s recommendations very closely.

“I have been a parishioner of my church for 46 years and I see all this with my own eyes with some sadness,” Donner said in an interview with WBEN. “I also understand that drastic measures had to be taken one way or another, so I think we all need to pray and try to be patient. I do, however, think we should voice our own concerns within our own parish families so that this can be resolved to the diocese, as a whole.”

Mary Anne of Williamsville has been a parishioner of Saint-Grégoire-le-Grand for several years and she can’t help but feel sorry for those affected by these recommended closures.

“I know (the diocese is) struggling financially and we have to close some parishes. I’ve been a parishioner here and this is, I think, the biggest parish (in the family). I just feel for everyone parishes that have to consolidate or go to other parishes It’s going to take some time for everyone to get used to things,” said Mary Anne of WBEN.

Meanwhile, Sandy from Clarence is among the group of people frustrated and angry with the diocese and its previous recommendations and other decisions that led to this.

“I think it’s crazy that we can’t let priests get married, or let women become priests to try to save the Catholic Church. I think people are leaving the Church by the dozens, I know that it “I go to a Methodist church now and I’m a lifelong Catholic,” Sandy told WBEN. “I find this extremely frustrating and I think this plan will destroy the communities surrounding the churches.”

Sandy says she is one of those parishioners who is personally affected by the recommended closures or merger, as it was recommended that her church, Our Lady of Peace, merge with the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Donner also sympathizes with those who are losing their parishes as part of these recommended closures and mergers. The parish where she grew up is another of the churches at risk of closing under the diocese’s plans.

“I think we have to remember, as Catholics, that we go to church for different reasons. To praise God, to receive the Eucharist. And we will find community wherever we go. I think that It’s up to each of us to try to make that happen,” Donner said.

So do local parishioners have confidence in the Diocese of Buffalo’s “redesign” plan to try to consolidate the number of parishes and thus strengthen the Catholic community? Donner admits she would like to have more confidence in the future.

“I think right now there’s a lot of confusion, a lot of misunderstanding, a lot of hurt. And it’s going to take some time to sort all of that out,” she said.

Mary Anne believes it was only a matter of time before the diocese would be forced to make such a consolidation decision.

“I’m still hoping that some of them can stay open, but not as many cuts as they’re saying. I’m still hoping that there’s a way to keep some of them open,” Mary Anne said.

As for Sandy, she describes the diocese’s project as ridiculous.

“When you talk about closing a church like Our Lady of Peace with multiple buildings, a lot of property, who is going to buy that property? What other organization in Western New York is going to come and take a school, a church, all the buildings .who are associated with it? It’s very upsetting,” Sandy said. “And then to think that this money is going to be used to settle sexual abuse scandals is really upsetting.”

Last Friday, Bishop Fisher released the following statement on the recommendations for parish mergers and closures:

“Over the past two weeks, we have met with groups of parish leaders to explain in detail our recommendations regarding parish mergers. These advanced recommendations – supported by data provided by parishes – along with future projections, illustrate our best efforts to provide a plan that will ultimately strengthen the Catholic Church in Western New York.

“I understand that these recommendations regarding parishes and places of worship are difficult for many, as churches that have housed generations of faithful must unfortunately merge and close for the future viability and vibrancy of our parishes and the diocese as a whole . Renewal of the Diocese has been accelerated as we continue to work to meet the requirements of our Chapter 11 reorganization process.

“We look forward over the next month to continuing the dialogue with our parish leaders to decide what is best for the diocese and the faithful, moving forward. As always, you remain in my prayers, especially at the light of this period of transformation in our history.”