RCC diocese in California closing 13 parishes due to declining attendance
St. Patrick's Cathedral of the RCC. USA. Photo: Wikipedia
In California, the Roman Catholic diocese of Oakland announced the closure of 13 parishes in the East Bay area, affecting several cities including Alameda, Fremont, Walnut Creek, and Castro Valley, as reported by Tribune Chrétienne.
The decision was made as part of a restructuring initiative launched in 2021, aimed at adapting the church structure to reduced resources. Oakland Bishop Michael Barber stated in an address to the faithful that the current situation is "unsustainable" and does not serve the interests of believers.
Among the reasons cited are declining mass attendance, reduced number of sacraments, and decreasing enrollment in Catholic schools. Additionally, the diocese faces a shortage of priests amid an aging clergy.
Financial difficulties are compounded by lawsuits: in 2023, the diocese filed for bankruptcy due to more than 330 abuse cases and was also required to pay $16 million in one such case. The diocese notes that this is not a direct cause of parish closures, but part of the overall crisis.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a bill about "Russia's war against faith" in Ukraine introduced in the U.S. Congress.
Read also
Dumenko holds "service" at seized UOC church in Boyarka
On September 29, the head of the OCU performed a "divine service" at St. Michael's Church in Boyarka and rewarded the raider-rector.
UOC hierarchs mark 30th anniversary of Holovchyntsi Convent's revival
UOC bishops and clergy of the eparchy congratulated the abbess of the Transfiguration Convent and her sisters on the memorable date.
UOC cleric discusses life of Ukrainian parishes with Hungarian official
A UOC priest and a Hungarian official paid particular attention to issues of practical interaction between Ukrainian parishes and government authorities.
Ukrposhta issues stamp featuring Lavra for Soviet-era reserve's anniversary
The new postal block, issued in a print run of 40,000 copies, depicts the Lavra's churches, bell tower, and ancient frescoes.
Met. Theodosiy links his criminal case to ex-prosecutor named in NABU tapes
A Cherkasy court extended Metropolitan Theodosiy’s preventive measure for another two months – until November 29, 2026.
Stefanchuk: Seeking UCCRO-LGBT compromise on new Civil Code
The Verkhovna Rada speaker said the working group is seeking a broad public compromise as it revises the draft of the new Civil Code.