BUFFALO, N.Y. — Two parishes in Western New York have announced their impending closures: All Saints Parish and St. Andrew’s.

Parents of St. Andrew's Country Day School said they were blindsided and heartbroken when they learned the church would close June 30 or sooner. The Diocese said it was due to financial issues.

“We were told we’d be open next year, promised we’d be open next year, and have that time to turn things around,” said Pat Carney, a parent and alum. “Our board worked tirelessly to do what they could to save the church.”

“These kids were crying, even my 4-year-olds,” said Katie Condon, mother of twin students. “They’re in pre-K and when I told them, they understood. They were crying with all their friends.” 

In a statement about St. Andrew's, Bishop Michael Fisher said: “The decision was very difficult but necessary to continue to provide for the pastoral and educational needs of the faithful and our elementary school students.”

He continued to say the Diocese will rally with other parishes to meet people’s needs.

“It’s not just an institution. It is a family,” said Kourtney Owen, whose two daughters attend the school. She said her oldest has grown exponentially there.

“She’s at that age where she just put herself in a shell but this year she blossomed,” said Owen. 

Spectrum News 1 reached out to the Diocese for comment about the All Saints Parish closing and received the letter below.