3 Catholic Churches to Consolidate

Click on Detroit
February 19, 2012

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/3-Catholic-churches-to-consolidate/-/1719418/8805812/-/40h1ycz/-/

As many as 48 churches across southeast Michigan may be forced to close their doors for good.

Saturday night Local 4 learned of three parishes that will be affected.

According to parishioners in Ferndale, they were told by their priest that the plan is for St. James Church to merge or cluster with two other churches, one in Oak Park and one in Berkley within two years.

St. James has been a Ferndale landmark for almost a century, but between now and July parishioners must meet with members of Our Lady of Fatima in Oak Parkto decide where to attend mass and pick a new name, among other things.

The clustering of churches is based on finances, viability and the number of members today.

Sunday morning, the priest in every church is supposed to tell their members at mass if they are merging and when. The overall announcement will come from Archbishop All Vigneron Monday afternoon.