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world13h ago
THIRTEEN Catholic churches close because so few people attend
- Diocese of Oakland closes 13 churches and a pastoral center due to shrinking attendance and finances.
- Bishop Michael Barber cites Mission Alignment Process as context for closures.
- Closures come after the diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023 amid abuse lawsuits.
- Several affected sites include Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Fremont and Oakland.
- Bishop Barber says the move addresses a “reality” of non-sustainable church operations.
- Diocese notes ongoing bankruptcy proceedings and survivor settlements as context for staffing and funding shortfalls.
- Closures will affect parishes across Oakland, Alameda, and surrounding areas.
- Bishop Barber emphasizes the church is a people, not just buildings, even as facilities close.
- Diocese seeks to reallocate resources to support mission amid declines in priest numbers and Catholic school enrollment.
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