By Robert L. Smith
Plain Dealer
March 15, 2009
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/03/catholic_diocese_of_cleveland.html
[complete list of closings and mergers]
The Cleveland Catholic Diocese this morning released the full listing of parishes to close or merge in a massive downsizing that will reshape the eight-county diocese.
In all, 29 churches are to be closed and 41 are being directed to merge with one or more churches, creating 18 new parishes. The result will be 52 fewer parishes in 16 months.
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| Bishop Richard Lennon explains the process used in downsizing the Cleveland Catholic Diocese during a press conference Sunday, March 15, 2009. A total of 52 churches will close or merge in the next 15 months. Photo by Gus Chan |
Most of the churches targeted for closing serve urban neighborhoods of Cleveland, Akron and Lorain, Bishop Richard Lennon acknowledged.
"The church will continue to be a vibrant presence in our cities," he said at a Sunday morning press conference. "We will continue to run as many of our schools as possible."
Lennon said most churches are being closed for financial reasons -- 42 percent of diocese parishes are operating at a financial loss, he said. Forces of change also include declining enrollment, a shortage of priests and the movement of Catholics to distant suburbs.
"The church is changing," Lennon said, adding that he understands the great sadness and anxiety generated by church closings. "At the same time, this is an occasion for joy, because it will allow us, God willing, to build a stronger church."
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