Diocese of Buffalo officials on Tuesday announced plans to merge approximately 34% of the 160 parishes across Western New York and reduce worship centers by 38%.

Bishop Michael Fisher attributed the plans to financial pressures brought about by the filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020 after more than 250 lawsuits were filed under the Child Victims Act, a priest shortage, aging congregations and declining Mass attendance.

The consolidation would bring the number of parishes from 160 to a projected 106, and the number of worship centers from 196 to a projected 121.

"The reality today continues to change," said Fisher. "We continue to be working our way through our Chapter 11 reorgization, and we need to take a harder look at how we are restructuring and rightsizing the diocese here in Buffalo in light of a dwindling population, changing demographics and fewer resources. Our Catholic footprint is no longer what it used to resemble."

The diocese says the official number of parishes merged will not be decided until church leaders review all proposals. A decision is expected to be made between Aug. 15 and Sept. 1. Parishes with and without schools will be evaluated.