Buffalo, N.Y (WBEN) - A Catholic Diocese of Buffalo representative told WBEN on Friday the Diocese expects to hear counter proposals from 30 of the 36 total family of parishes regarding the closure or mergers of several Western New York parishes.
It was announced in May that the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo will be merging over one-third of their parishes as part of their "Road to Renewal" plan to reshape and restructure the Catholic churches.
The Diocese subsequently met with the local vicariates across Western New York to recommend which parishes should merge or close.
The parishes potentially at risk of losing where they worship have until the end of Monday, Aug. 5 to submit written counter proposals.
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In addition to the written proposals, starting the week of Aug. 12, counter proposal meetings will take place between families of parishes and the Road to Renewal team for one-hour sessions so parishioners can vocalize their case.
The number of counter proposals has increased, as parishioners of churches continue to speak out and inquire as to why their churches are facing potential closure.
One of the local parishes that is expected to present a counter proposal to the Diocese is St. Benedict's Church in Eggertsville.
"We just have to show them the data that we have," said Nandor Forgach, St. Benedict's parishioner.
"From our youth ministry to different outreach programs and highlight what we're doing to maintain and grow our community."
Under the current recommendations, St. Benedict's Church, part of Family No. 16 of the Northern Erie Vicariate, would merge with St. Leo the Great.
Before Bishop Michael Fisher can finalize any changes to the recommendations, the suggestions must go through follow procedures and receive consultation from the diocesan Presbyteral Council for approval.
The meeting with the Presbyteral Council is scheduled for Aug. 27.
The Diocese representative also tells WBEN the final recommendations will be released in the first week of September.