Cleveland Diocese Plans to Close 23 Churches or more

More than 10 percent of the 231 parishes in the Cleveland Catholic Diocese will close or merge under a reorganization plan announced Wednesday.

In a letter sent to churches, Bishop Richard Lennon asked the parishes, which are grouped in 69 regional clusters, to develop plans to share ministries and resources. It is the latest step in a six-year effort to respond to massive demographic shifts from the cities to the suburbs, growing financial pressures and a worsening clergy shortage.

A third of the regional groups containing from two to seven churches must "downsize," Lennon said at a news conference. "A few" must plan for two or three fewer churches, but most can expect one less parish in their region.

This certainly cannot be an easy task for any bishop...