PITTSBURGH — As many as 15 parishes in the Pittsburgh Diocese could be closing and other parishes may be merging due to financial trouble.
According to Bishop David Zubik, about half of the 199 parishes in the six-county region are in deficit spending.%
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Church attendance is also suffering with almost 100,000 fewer people going to Mass in 2015 compared to 2000.
Catholic elementary school enrollment is also on the decline, dropping more than half over the last 15 years from 27,000 to 12,000.
“When you look at the numbers, they are across the board. Not only to the church but also our region,” Zubik said.
The number of active priests dropped from 338 in 2000 to 225 in 2015. This number is projected to be at 112 by 2025
Zubik is working on a five-year planning initiative, and is inviting all parishioners, clergy and church leaders to give feedback and prepare for the future.
“Change is never easy. I realize that,” Zubik said.
After surveying the Diocese, Zubik will make recommendations in Dec. 2017.