By Mark Wozniak
Buffalo, NY – The Diocese of Buffalo has announced more parish closings and consolidations.
The latest round affects five parishes in the Southern Tier. Saint Joseph's in Scio and Sacred Heart in Angelica will merge with Saint Mary's in Belmont to form Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph parish. In Wyoming County, Assumption Parish in Portageville with merge with Saint Mary's in Silver Springs.
Bishop Edward Kmiec says he recognizes that the process is a difficult one.
"It seems that once things are in place that, there is an anxiety factor," Kmiec said. "A number of people said let's get on with it."
The diocese announced ten parish closings and consolidations last month.