CANADA
CBC News
Six Cape Breton Roman Catholic church buildings will close over the next few years, Sydney churchgoers learned Sunday.
In a letter from Brian Dunn, Bishop of Antigonish, parishioners were told the diocese was consolidating several city parishes into one.
“The reality experienced in many of our parishes makes us aware that we need some changes so that this pastoral care can be more effective, especially in light of the challenges within our diocese, including a declining number of priests, a declining and aging number of parishioners who regularly attend church, a declining financial support and an increase in the cost for goods and services associated with each parish,” Dunn wrote.
He said the pastoral planning committee has decided to close several churches.
St. Augustine’s on Grand Lake Road will close in July of this year
St. Nicholas in Whitney Pier will close in July of this year
Immaculate Heart on Mira Road will close in June 2013
St. Anne’s in Membertou will no longer hold Sunday services as of June 2013
St. Anthony Daniel will close in June 2014
Sacred Heart in Sydney will close in June 2014
Dunn said after consulting with parishioners, it has been decided that a new parish with a new name will be established in Sydney next summer.
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