Buffalo Diocese delays date for final list of church closures after receiving 52 counter proposals

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Bishop Michael Fisher said Friday that the Diocese of Buffalo is evaluating changes to its initial recommendation for parish mergers and closures and needs additional time to reach a final decision.

Fisher's update Friday comes during a period of uncertainty for the diocese and its parishioners. In May, the diocese announced plans to merge or close approximately one-third of the 160 parishes in the region amid financial troubles from settling sexual abuse allegations in addition to a priest shortage and declining Mass attendance.

In June, a full list of approximately 54 parishes affected was released by the diocese. Fisher said 52 different counter proposals from parish families were made. The diocese is now evaluating changes to their initial recommendations of merges and closures in 26 of 36 families.

The final list of parishes to close or merge was expected to be finalized by Sept. 1, with mergers beginning in October, but that timeline will be pushed back, Fisher announced Friday.

Final announcements will not be made this Sunday. Instead, the announcement "will be coming later next week, or early the following week."

"I appreciate the patience of our faithful as we work diligently to decide on the future
number of parishes in the Diocese of Buffalo," he said. "As always, you remain in my prayers, and I ask for your prayers as well."