Implosion of Pittsburgh Diocese Continues

Church Militant ^ | 12/3/20 | Stephen Wynne

[marshmallow]

Former Catholic stronghold run into the ground

PITTSBURGH (ChurchMilitant.com) - Catholics in the beleaguered diocese of Pittsburgh are bracing for a new round of parish closures — the latest marker in a dramatic implosion connected to decades of sex abuse and cover-up.

In a Nov. 28 statement, Bp. David Zubik announced a series of mergers that will reduce the number of parishes from 107 to 81. The consolidations will be finalized Jan. 4, 2021.

"This is a pivotal time for our diocese as we plan for the future of the Church of Pittsburgh," Zubik said. "Southwestern Pennsylvania is radically different than it was 100, 50, 20, even 10 years ago, yet the work of the Church and our call from God to bring His love to everyone continues as strong as ever."

Indicators of Collapse

But some are questioning the bishop's claim that the work of the Church in Pittsburgh is "as strong as ever," noting that last week's announcement is just the latest indicator of collapse.

For the past several years, chancery officials have been steering the decline of the diocese under a strategic plan branded "On Mission for the Church Alive." At the time of its launch, there were 188 parishes in Pittsburgh. By the time the plan is complete, the diocese reportedly will be home to just 48 parishes — a retrenchment of almost 75%.

Other statistics confirm the collapse of the diocese.

In 2017, diocesan authorities admitted the number of Pittsburgh priests was estimated to plummet by almost half — from 211 to 112 — by 2025.

Since 2000, enrollment in area Catholic schools has fallen by 50%. Since 1990, Mass attendance has declined by more than 50%. Since 1980, the number of Pittsburgh Catholics has been slashed by one-third.

[AlaskaErik]

People are waking up to the debauchery, perversion and excesses of the catholic church and are voting with their feet. The entire organization is corrupt and enables and covers up the actions of its pedophile priests. Families no longer want to put their young boys at risk by allowing them anywhere near a priest. And I don’t blame them. And with Frankie at the helm, this exodus is only going to continue to accelerate.

[miserare]

It’s not just Pittsburgh...it’s happening all over.

[bella1]

We have more than a few ex-Catholics in our conservative Reformed church, myself and husband included.

[foreverfree]

bump

[PGR88]

The destruction wrought by homosexual priests, and their enablers…...

[scrabblehack]

Saint Matthew: All Saints in Etna, Saint Aloysius in Reserve, Saint Bonaventure in Glenshaw and Holy Spirit in Millvale

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The East Street Valley Expressway (Parkway North, also known as Interstate 279) was held up for years because of St. Bonaventure. Does this mean that one building among those 3 will be chosen as the new “St. Matthew?”

[Svartalfiar]

Since 2000, enrollment in area Catholic schools has fallen by 50%. Since 1990, Mass attendance has declined by more than 50%. Since 1980, the number of Pittsburgh Catholics has been slashed by one-third.

Since 1980, Pittsburgh has lost 30% of it's total population. Course, enrollment/Mass attendance drops are bigger than that...How are the traditional parishes in the area doing? The ones by me are excessively over-packed.

[ReaganGeneration2]

The “church” has become, for nearly everyone, another failed modern corporate entity with PR, finance, and personnel departments, failing at trying to fix worldly problems like education, diversity, lobbying, and income redistribution.

[Lisbon1940]

Is God dead?