Big news from northeastern Pennsylvania this weekend, as the bishop announced a massive restructuring that will affect every parishioner:

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton is closing almost half of its churches, reducing the number of parishes from 209 to 118.

In a statement, Bishop Joseph Martino said the restructuring plan affects every single parish in the 11-county diocese in some way. The drastic cut is blamed on a declining priest population and fewer financial resources.

Parishes will follow one of three models. One is a partnership, where parishes retain their own pastors, but work in cooperation with neighboring groups. A second is linked parishes, where two or more use the same pastor. And the third is the consolidated parish, which will combine them into one.

More details can be found at the Scranton diocesan website, which includes this comment:

In his message to parishioners, Bishop Martino said we must examine our parishes, schools, institutions, buildings and programs to ensure they are prepared to announce the Good News of Jesus Christ as Jesus intends them to do.

Although some people would undoubtedly prefer to leave well enough alone, the Bishop explained why that is not feasible.

“Unfortunately,” he said, “many of our institutions are not ‘well enough.’ Our society and our Diocese are experiencing changes. Populations are shifting. Financial resources are diminishing. Many Catholics are not actively practicing their faith or supporting the Church. Our priests are serving too many parishes at one time.”