Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh addresses a media conference announcing the reorganization of parishes in the diocese. (CNS/Chuck Austin, Pittsburgh Catholic)
by Peter Feuerherd
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The Diocese of Pittsburgh is on its way to a complete makeover. Bishop David Zubik announced April 28 that the diocese will continue its reorganization process, transforming 188 parishes into 57 (previous plans called for only 48 parishes). The heavy lifting will begin in October, as pastors are reassigned to lead the new entities, which will include multiple parishes merged into single parishes.
No church closings have been announced, but it is expected that some churches will be sold as parishes figure out the best ways to consolidate resources. The bishop said the changes are needed due to declining church attendance and numbers of clergy. The diocese currently has 200 priests in active ministry, 632,000 Catholics and an estimated 138,900 weekend worshipers.
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[Peter Feuerherd is a correspondent for NCR's Field Hospital series on parish life and is a professor of journalism at St. John's University, New York.]
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