Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Parishioners at St. Michael’s Church in Downtown Buffalo are hoping a decision from Rome to keep that church open for now, is part of a larger fight to keep dozens more local churches from closing or merging.
Save Our Buffalo Churches filed an appeal with the Vatican to keep St. Michael's open, arguing that the Diocese was violating Canon Law.
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"We have about 35 parishes with us that are ready to follow this process," noted Mary Pruski on WBEN Friday.
St. Michael's was notified in late October by the Diocese that it was merging. Bishop Michael Fisher denied an appeal and that's when the process started.
Pruski said every parish is at a different stage in the appeal process, depending on when it started.
"St. Michael's was the first to go to Rome. We have several other churches there, but a majority of parishes are still waiting to get started," she explained.
"Our first parish got a positive response. We're so glad to hear that there were open hearts and minds that read our appeal."
This is a temporary stay, and life will go on as normal, for now, at St. Michael's while the Vatican conducts an investigation. In the meantime, Pruski said they wait and pray.
Pruski and the group Save Our Buffalo Churches say they welcome the review.
"We meet weekly and we support everybody. This is free. We are all volunteers. We are offering assistance to any parish that needs it."
You can reach the group HERE. Or you can email them at SaveOurBuffaloChurches@gmail.com. They try to respond within 24 hours.