Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - One local parish in the City of Buffalo has won its counterproposal challenge with the Buffalo Catholic Diocese to remain open in the West Side neighborhood.
During a meeting held Tuesday evening, the Diocese of Buffalo announced that Holy Cross Church, which was originally deemed to merge and close in final decisions announced as part of the Road to Renewal program, will remain open to parishioners.
The church at 345 Seventh Street was suggested to close following a review meeting with its Family of Parishes representatives last summer. However, after a counterproposal and further consultation, the review led to the change in status.
“Following a thorough review, acknowledging the diverse communities and needs that Holy Cross ministers to including the Rwandan, African and Hispanic communities on Buffalo’s West Side, Holy Cross will remain open,” explained Father Bryan Zielenieski, Diocesan Vicar for Renewal and Development. “The church deemed essential for ministry and mission has been placed on a watch list to help the parish deal with the financial stability that is needed. The watch list is designed to help parishioners and community members recognize their direct involvement in making the parish successful for the future.”
As already planned, Family of Parishes’ Families 21 and 23 will merge to form a new family that includes Blessed Trinity, St. Martin de Porres, SS. Columba-Brigid, Our Lady of Hope and Holy Cross churches all in Buffalo.