A delay in the announcement of the closing of Catholic Churches in the diocese of Buffalo has been announced.

“I am pleased to report that productive meetings with families of parishes, which began more than two weeks ago, realized 52 family counter proposals made to a diocesan review committee,” said Bishop Michael Fisher on Friday. “Following the counter proposal meetings, our diocesan review panel reviewed those counter proposals and then recommendations were presented for consultation with the Presbyteral Council which is an advisory body to me. The Diocese is now evaluating changes to our initial recommendation of mergers and closures in 26 of our 36 families of parishes.

“Additional time is needed to work through these changes and final announcements will not be made on September 1, but will be coming later next week, or early the following week. I appreciate the patience of our faithful as we work diligently to decide on the future number of parishes in the Diocese of Buffalo. As always, you remain in my prayers, and I ask for your prayers as well.”