GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids is planning to merge and close some of its churches due to a shortage of new priests.
Bishop David Walkowiak announced the consolidations in a June 29 pastoral plan, titled “Rooted in Christ,” which aims to reduce the diocese’s total number of church buildings to “reduce administrative burdens” and strengthen parishes amid a lack of priests, according to the plan.
Walkowiak said priest retirements are outpacing ordinations due to fewer men in the seminary becoming priests. This trend is expected to continue over the next decade, he said…