The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo announced Tuesday it plans to close or merge one-third of its 160 Western New York parishes. The list of affected parishes is expected to be finalized by September 1 with the formal actions to begin in October. Buffalo Bishop Michael Fisher made the announcement. Their plans, according to a press release, are not specific to particular parishes across Western New York’s eight counties, but “became apparent following a comprehensive and collaborative planning process directed by its Road to Renewal division.”
