Pittsburgh diocese panel recommends merging 188 parishes to 48

PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH (AP) - A Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh panel has recommended a merging the current 188 parishes in the six-county diocese into 48.

The On Mission Commission's recommendations are part of a restructuring process launched by Bishop David Zubik. The diocese earlier said it planned a dramatic reduction in the number of parishes due to declines in priests and church participation.

"I would rather stay away from the number game," Zubik said. "I would rather us focus on the reason why we are doing it."

The commission recommends keeping multiple worship sites open in the parishes, although some churches would close. Also planned is streamlined administration with the goal of fewer but stronger parishes with better outreach.

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"When people come together instead of competing, when people can see the strength, I think a lot good can happen," he said. "We have some difficult odds to work against, but I think this is our way as the Catholic Church."

The recommendations are to be reviewed by more diocesan boards in the coming months before final decisions in April.

"The focus of all is not the church building or the mass time or the pew, but rather the relationship with the Lord Jesus," Zubik said.

The diocese spans Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington counties.

Cox Media Group