BUFFALO, N.Y. — Preservationists in the city of Buffalo are sounding the alarm, now that Catholic Churches across Western New York are in danger of closing.
The Diocese announced Tuesday, that a third of parishes in the diocese's eight counties will merge.
“The Diocese of Buffalo is facing multiple challenges including a significant priest shortage, declining Mass attendance, aging congregations, and ongoing financial pressures brought about by our Chapter 11 filing,” explained Bishop Michael W. Fisher Tuesday night. “This plan resulted from the lessons learned as we brought parishes together in the parish family model and determined rather quickly that scaling back the number of parishes would best allow us to use our limited resources to help reenergize a spiritual renewal in the diocese.”
In a recent Facebook post, Preservation Buffalo Niagara says it's worried "our churches are in crisis." Officials with the group are worried, that buildings will be demolished. Executive Director Bernice Radel is now encouraging the Diocese to apply for landmark status.
"It's a great way for people to put that layer of protection," Radel says. "It opens it up to tax credits. It opens it up to grants and funding to restore and renovate. There are a lot of doors that open once you become a local landmark."
2 On Your Side's Keelin Berrian asked Preservation Buffalo Niagara about what if the Diocese was selling the churches for money. Bernice says "If they go into the hands of a private developer, they can be re-purposed. If they do the landmark on the building itself. No matter who buys it, it's still a local landmark."
WGRZ reached out to the Diocese for comment. A spokesperson tells us they are considering the historical significance of each building. They say 53 to 54 Parishes will merge. However, the decision will not be made until at least August.
In the meantime, Preservation Buffalo is asking the Diocese to reach out if they need help applying for landmark status.