Buffalo Diocese announces Southern Tier closures, mergers

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Buffalo Diocese announced more recommended closures and mergers of parishes affecting the Southern Tier West Vicariate Tuesday night during a meeting at the Blessed Mary Angela Parish in Dunkirk.
The decision comes after the diocese's announcement on May 28 to "rightsize and reshape" their parishes by closing or merging approximately one-third of Western New York's 160 parishes.
The diocese is facing challenges of a priest shortage, declining Mass attendance, and fina