DUNKIRK, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Diocese of Buffalo held another Vicariate meeting on Tuesday as it looks to "rightsize and reshape."
Tuesday's meeting was held at Blessed Mary Angela Parish, St. Hyacinth site, in Dunkirk.
7 News caught up with Father Bryan Zielenieski after the meeting. He said the meeting was the same as previous meetings with parishioners hearing what could lie ahead for their churches.
“We have to be relevant for the future and we have to make sure that the resources are being put in the right spots,” he said. “Retaining empty buildings is not where we need to spend our resources and time, but on the people.”
So why is this all happening?
“Because people’s expression of spirituality and faith is much different than it used to be,” Father Zielenieski added. “The generations aren’t practicing the faith like they used to so all of those contribute to the recommendations that we’re making today.”
And what will happen to the priests of the parishes that may be closing?
“They’re still going to be ministering in our parish communities. The ones that are going to be remaining will have the priest to continue the masses and continue ministering to the people," he said. "They won’t be having to minister all the physical locations. it takes up a lot of their time, energy, and resources.”
The diocese recommended the following parish mergers and closures within the Southern Tier West Vicariate.
Family #3
- St. Anthony, Fredonia – merge with Holy Trinity and close
- St. Joseph, Fredonia - merge with Holy Trinity and close
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Silver Creek – close St. Rose of Lima site, Forestville, of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Dunkirk – merge with Holy Trinity and close. Northern Chautauqua Regional School would remain open and continue at this location with ministry provided by Holy Trinity.
- Holy Trinity, Dunkirk
- Blessed Mary Angela, Dunkirk – merge with Holy Trinity – sale of St. Hedwig, Dunkirk, and St. Hyacinth, Dunkirk campuses
Family #4
- St. Patrick, Randolph
- Our Lady of Loretto, Falconer – merge with St. James
- St. James, Jamestown – close Our Lady of Victory site
- Sacred Heart, Lakewood – close Panama site
- Holy Apostles, Jamestown – close St. John site
Family #5
- St. Mary of Lourdes, Mayville
- Christ Our Hope, Clymer – close Sherman site
- St. Dominic, Westfield – close Brocton site
Family #27
- Immaculate Conception, Eden
- St. Joseph, Gowanda
- St. Mary, Cattaraugus – merge with St. Joseph and close
- Holy Spirit, North Collins – merge with Immaculate Conception and close
- Epiphany of Our Lord, North Collins
Catholic Diocese Communications Director Joe Martone says all vicariates will have their meetings by the end of the week.
The diocese said these are just recommendations at this time. Parish families will be able to present From July 15 to August 23, diocese leadership will review proposals and an official list of recommendations will come out by September 1.
