Diocese of
Recommendations to
Restructure Parishes
Parishes in the Eastern and Western Niagara,
as part of the “Journey in Faith and Grace”
strategic planning and spiritual revitalization
initiative
The
Diocese of Buffalo said today that a number of parishes in the Eastern and
Western Niagara, Genesee, Western Erie (Lackawanna-Woodlawn cluster), Orleans
and Tri-County vicariates will be restructured as part of the “Journey in Faith
and Grace,” a parish-based strategic planning and spiritual revitalization initiative
launched in June 2005 by Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of Buffalo. These changes represent the latest in a
series of recommendations to reimagine parish life throughout the eight
counties of
Announcement
of the mergers were delivered to affected parishioners at weekend Masses
yesterday and today.
Bishop Kmiec noted that the journey has been a
difficult one for many people, but there are a number of promising signs
emerging in the new parishes that have already come together. “Many new faith communities have been formed
following serious deliberation and some emotional pain. People are putting the needs of the diocesan
church above their own preferences, demonstrating their great faith and
devotion to the Church and a forward-thinking attitude and approach.”
The
latest round of changes includes 87 church sites merging or linking to result
in 45 parishes using 60 sites following the restructuring. Ten other parishes will remain independent
for the immediate future while two parishes will remain linked. Four parishes will become oratories with one
church and two oratories set to close.
The changes were approved by the diocesan Strategic Planning Commission
and the diocesan Council of Priests prior to being forwarded to Bishop Kmiec
for his final review and approval.
The latest parish announcements can be found on the Web site, http://www.buffalodiocese.org/plan/index.html