NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WBEN)....For the second time in as many years, the fate of St. Jude the Apostle Church in North Tonawanda faces an uncertain future.
At issue: An attempt by the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo to merge St. Jude the Apostle's loyal congregation with that of St. Christopher's Church in the Town of Tonawanda. Both are located on Niagara Falls Boulevard and less than five miles from each other.
But, St. Jude's parishioners are saying 'not so fast' and they blame dwindling number of mass attendees on the confusion created by the Diocese.
"It's like they are saying 'gotcha' when it comes to St. Jude," said Mary Pruski, Save Our Buffalo Churches spokesperson.
The Diocese did not return a call seeking comment.
In January, 2025 Buffalo Diocese Bishop Michael Fisher targeted St. Jude the Apostle as one of the region's churches that will be merged as the Diocese grappling with deep financial issues caused by a series of lawsuits - some related to sexual advances made by certain priests against parishioners and also a lack of priests and dwindling congregants.
The church was put on the real estate market. It is currently off the market.
St. Jude the Apostle closed in May 2025 but an appeal made to the Vatican by parishioners reversed that decision and this past May, the Vatican issued a decree requiring the church to re-open and it held its first, new mass in early July.
But, mass attendance hasn't been strong, due mainly to confusing signals coming from the Diocese, Pruski said.
"It looks like the Diocese is dragging its feet," Pruski said.
At its peak, St. Jude has more than 550 active members.
Earlier this month, Bishop Fisher issued a new decree that advocated for the merger.
Parishioners, on Aug. 24, can begin their appeal to the Vatican, something Pruski anticipates will happen.
Because of the appeal, St. Jude has to remain open until the Vatican makes its ruling - something that could six months or longer.
The extra time afford St. Jude supporters to continue to build their case, Pruski said.
"Two months is not enough time," Pruski said.
Supporters need to build their case including showing how many families will stay connected to St. Jude and that the building is in good shape.
"We are going to use every tool we can to keep the church open," Pruski said. "It's breaking our hearts that the Diocese is acting like a little child and stomping its feet."
Diocese wants to merge St. Jude with other parishes
Diocese wants to merge St. Jude with other parishes
