ORCHARD PARK, NY (WKBW) — Many Catholic parishioners across Western New York continue voicing outrage over payments churches must make to the Buffalo Diocese’s proposed $150 million bankruptcy settlement created by the clergy abuse scandal.
“Shame on the Diocese of Buffalo,” remarked James Drzymala, parishioner, St. John Vianney Church in Orchard Park.
A husband and wife, long-time parishioners at St. John Vianney Parish in Orchard Park, reached out to our 7 News Senior Reporter Eileen Buckley to share their frustration.
It’s a double blow to parishioners at the parish, not only is the diocese planning to close and merge the church, but a week ago, it closed the school.
“It’s wrong. What was done to those kids? I can’t get past the fact that the Diocese of Buffalo is, once again, disregarding the emotional well-being of children,” declared Brooke Drzymala, parishioner, St. John Vianney Church.
The parishioners tell me they’re feeling deceived by the Buffalo Diocese. They say they were told the school would stay open at least one more school year, but instead, last Monday, the diocese announced the school is now closed for good…