© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Demographics Behind The Catholic Church's Restructuring Of Parishes In Connecticut

Joanne C Sullivan/flickr creative commons

At the end of June, 26 Catholic churches in the state are set to close. Some will be sold, while others could be converted to youth centers, homeless shelters, or other types of facilities. In addition, 59 churches will merge with others as part of a restructuring plan recently announced by the Hartford Archdiocese.

Leaders said they've seen a dramatic decline in Sunday mass attendance and a drop in the number of priests -- but not for reasons you might think, according to Father James Shanley, Vicar of Pastoral Planning for the Archdiocese of Hartford.

"The demographics in Connecticut are shifting," Shanley said. "Many of the Catholics, as well as the entire population -- certainly a great percentage of them -- are moving south. So as we’re closing certain church buildings up here, in the South, they’re opening them all the time -- building large cathedrals, large churches that hold 2,000 people."

Speaking on WNPR’s Where We Live, Shanley said they hope the new merged communities will be vibrant, diverse, and provide better outreach to the poor.

The Archdiocese oversees parishes in Hartford, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties.

Waterbury will be the hardest hit, with four churches scheduled to close.

Lori Connecticut Public's Morning Edition host.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content