The Buffalo Catholic Diocese is getting ready to launch its Road to Renewal Program.

A total of 161 parishes will be grouped into 36 families of parishes, starting with a small-scale test phase next month.

Clergy members believe they’ll be able to keep more churches open by sharing resources across the region. That’s despite decreasing attendance and number of priests across Western New York.

"The pilot introduction of the Family of Parishes model represents an important milestone on our Road to Renewal," explained the Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher, Bishop of Buffalo. "The insights we’ve gained from so many – our pastors, deacons, lay leaders, educators and parishioners – have informed the decisions we are announcing today. The role of Catholic faith and ministry is essential in addressing so many needs across Western New York, including educating our young people. In combining our resources and refocusing our efforts at the parish level, I am confident that we can be even more impactful in the years ahead in fulfilling our mandate to spread Christ’s Gospel and fulfill our essential mandate of service."

The Catholic Diocese says the ideas come from other religious groups that have adapted to less money.

"We have had tremendous consultation and collaboration for the Renewal effort," explained Fr. Zielenieski. "The family model of parishes intent is truly an intentional discipleship that will bring the best practices and resources to our parish families by the clergy and laity working together. We will learn to minister together to increase our impact on our parishioners with a focus on Jesus."

The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year after more than 250 lawsuits were filed under the Child Victim’s Act.

The Road to Renewal Program is scheduled to go full-scale next October.