Diocese of Pittsburgh set to merge parishes
The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh is merging three groups of parishes north of the city as of July 1, Bishop David Zubik announced late Saturday afternoon.
The groupings will reduce the number of parishes in the diocese to 63 from the current 70.
By addressing financial needs and sharing resources, the parishes will be able to focus on ministry more efficiently, according to a statement from the diocese.
The three new parishes will be: Divine Grace (Cranberry/Ellwood City/Zelienople), which will consist of Saint Ferdinand in Cranberry, Saint Gregory in Evans City and Zelienople and Holy Redeemer in Ellwood City, Koppel and Wampum.
Regina Coeli (Bellevue/Emsworth/ Park), which will consist of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bellevue, Saint John Neumann in Franklin Park and Sacred Heart in Emsworth.
Saint Luke the Evangelist (Ambridge/Baden/Conway/ Franklin Park), which will consist of Good Samaritan in Ambridge, Saint John the Baptist in Baden, Saints John and Paul in Franklin Park and Marshall and Our Lady of Peace in Conway.
The diocese said the mergers were requested by priest-administrators after consulting with parishioners.
“This is a pivotal time for our diocese as we plan for the future of the church of Pittsburgh,” Bishop Zubik said. “Southwestern Pennsylvania is radically different than it was 100, 50, 20, even 10 years ago, yet the work of the church and our call from God to bring His love to everyone continues as strong as ever.”
The diocese has been merging parishes for years as a way to address declining membership.
A significant move to downscale operations occurred in the early 1990s, when 332 parishes shrank to 218 in response to the depopulation of the region following the decline of the steel industry.
The latest merger is part of an initiative to allow the diocese to focus on its mission rather than on maintenance, said Linda Ritzer, the diocese’s secretary for parish services.
And more consolidation is coming. Titled “On Mission for The Church Alive!” the initiative began in 2015 with 188 parishes and will conclude next year with about 57 parishes remaining.
Ms. Ritzer said parishioners in the 10 parishes being merged have been involved with the process and have been aware of the planned merger for years,
Parishioners are pleased “that it’s finally here” as they have been “working at it for a long time,” Ms. Ritzer said.
After July 1, Divine Grace will have about 19,000 parishioners, Saint Luke the Evangelist will have about 12,000, and Regina Coeli will have about 10,000.