JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — The Diocese of Buffalo says service attendance, a lack of funding and a clergy abuse scandal are why it's closing a mass number of Catholic churches in what they are calling a “Road to Renewal.”

“We’ve definitely seen a decline in the number of people in the pews,” said Rev. Todd Remick, vicar forane of the Western Southern Tier Vicariate. “Like a lot of various corporations and businesses, oftentimes there has to be downsizing to strengthen the community.”

What You Need To Know

  • The Buffalo Catholic Diocese announced last week that they will be closing 78 churches throughout the region in what they are calling a "Road to Renewal."
  • Priests played a big role in the decisions on which churches to close by advocating and submitting counterproposals for their churches.
  • The timeline of the closures has not yet been solidified by the diocese and the renewal team, but most of the churches that will close will do so by Pentecost next June.

SS. Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church in Jamestown is one of 78 churches that are set to close its doors.

“I’ve heard some people that were saddened by the loss of this beautiful church here,” said Remick. “Which is expected, because it is a part of a grieving process that we’re going through, just like anybody who maybe has to sell their home that they grew up in and everything.”

It’s a loss felt not only by parishioners, but the priests.

“I think it’s sad for any of us priests to see some of the places that we worshipped, that we prayed with our people, that we celebrated the sacraments with, that are going to have to close,” said Remick.

Especially when clergy members of the Buffalo Diocese have been a big part in the decision-making process of the Road to Renewal.

“Particularly the pastors are very vital in this process because they have to work with their parishioners, and with the counterproposals, they were the ones who led up the counterproposals,” said Remick.

The timeline of the closures has not yet been solidified by the diocese and the renewal team.

“They’re gathering this week to start working on that to try to help those family of parishes to come up with possible dates of when they may want to celebrate their last Mass,” said Remick.

However, most of the closing churches are set to officially be closed by Pentecost next June.

“I think the priests can try to help lead the people, just to be with them, to grieve with them, and to listen to them and try to walk with them,” said Remick.