The Diocese of Buffalo, New York, has revealed its final plan for parish closures and mergers, a move aimed at addressing financial challenges and declining church attendance. Earlier in May, Bishop Michael Fisher announced that approximately 34% of the diocese's parishes would merge as part of the "rightsizing and reshaping" efforts under the "Road to Renewal" program. The bishop attributed this decision to a shortage of priests, decreasing Mass attendance, aging congregations, and financial strains caused in part by clergy abuse lawsuits.
After a merger review, the diocese confirmed that 118 worship sites will remain open out of its current 196, which consist of 160 parishes and 36 secondary sites. Post-merger, there will be 79 parishes and 39 secondary sites. In August, the diocese consulted with its vicariates and considered various counterproposals, resulting in adjustments to 26 of the 36 initial parish families’ recommendations.
Bishop Fisher acknowledged that the diocese is grappling with challenges such as a decline in church attendance, fewer vocations to the priesthood, growing secularism, and the lingering effects of the clergy abuse scandal. These factors, he noted, have severely impacted parish life and the faith of many. However, the "Road to Renewal" initiative seeks to revitalize the Catholic faith, optimize resources, and strengthen ministries across western New York. Fisher’s goal is for all parish communities to remain vibrant and focused on evangelization and service.
Father Bryan Zielenieski, who is spearheading the renewal efforts, emphasized that the significant number of revisions to the original plan underscores the collaborative approach taken by the diocese in shaping its future.
Buffalo is not alone in facing such challenges. The Archdioceses of Baltimore, St. Louis, and Seattle are also undertaking similar measures to address dwindling church resources and attendance.
As the Buffalo Diocese moves forward with its merger plan, local activists and parishioners have been working to save specific religious sites. For example, St. Casimir Parish in Buffalo has been struggling with large bills that threaten its closure, prompting efforts to raise funds to keep the church open. Additionally, Preservation Buffalo Niagara has launched a "Save Our Sacred Sites" campaign, focused on securing local landmark status for at-risk churches. Several parishes have already been nominated as city landmarks, with these designations currently under review by the Buffalo City Council.