The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield announcing more cutbacks. The new consolidation plan set for 2027.
Parishioners will hear about it this weekend.
The plan will be fueled by the retirement of priests- calls for some consolidations of churches.
Bishop William Byrne says more churches will be sharing resources- but would not rule out that buildings could close and parishes consolidated.
The bishop says the sheer numbers point to the need for change.
There are 140 thousand Catholics in Western Mass.
There are 76 parishes, but only 65 priests and about half of them are sixty-five or older.
An outside organization will assist the diocese in the restructuring.
(Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
Photo: Harold Cunningham / Getty Images News / Getty Images