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Pittsburgh Diocese lays off 3, cuts expenses

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh said a $2.4 million budget deficit for the coming year has been closed, but three people lost their jobs.

Bishop David Zubik said in a statement Thursday that a combination of more than $1 million in cuts to nonstaff expenses, voluntary retirements and reorganization balanced the budget.

According to Zubik, the diocese has changed "dramatically" but the cuts were done with care. Two full-time and one part-time employee lost their jobs.

As with many dioceses throughout the country, Pittsburgh has the dual problems of a declining Catholic population and a weak economy.

The changes will take effect Oct. 1.