Catholic Diocese Launches Full Review with Church Closures Likely

By Brian Fraga
Taunton Gazette
April 6, 2018

http://www.tauntongazette.com/news/20180406/catholic-diocese-launches-full-review-with-church-closures-likely

FALL RIVER — Major changes are coming to the Catholic Diocese of Fall River.

Over the next year and a half, all of its 82 parishes will be analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, and trying to figure out how to revitalize themselves. Some parishes will likely be recommended to be closed or merged.

“We are working here not to preserve buildings, but to preserve the faith,” Bishop Edgar da Cunha said during a press conference Thursday at the diocesan chancery offices on Highland Avenue.

Da Cunha said the “strategic planning process” underway in his diocese may include parish closings and mergers. He said no specific parishes have been targeted, but added that parishioners in some struggling churches will need to make difficult decisions.

“In some cases, not every church building will be there in the future,” he said.