By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – A commission that will study the future of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo held its first session Thursday.
The 25-member panel will hold another session Friday at Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora.
With a decline in the number of Catholics in the Western New York region and fewer priests, the Diocese will be re-shaped.
In June, Buffalo Bishop Edward Kmiec announced that a Strategic Planning Commission would be formed.
Kmeic said the commission is now working to examine the strengths and weaknesses to create a framework to chart the future course of diocese.
"These are very generous people, on the commission, who have great expertise and experience in the Diocese, and are very knowledgeable about the Diocese. We will do some of the ground work that will extend into the community," said Kmeic. "I really want as broad of involvement as possible. We need every one to take ownership, and we want to give everyone that opportunity as we go forward."
The Diocese says there will be restructuring. It will include parish and school reconfigurations, as well as mergers and even some closings.