COLUMBUS – Big changes are reportedly coming to the Catholic Diocese of Columbus.
According to a report by WBNS 10-TV, the diocese is planning to close 15 churches in the sprawling diocese due to low attendance and a shortage of priests.
The 15 churches affected by the announcement on Thursday morning include nine churches and one school in Franklin County, the television station reported.
Bishop Earl Fernandes’s announcement comes after the diocese released its final results of the “Real Presence Real Future” initiative.
The three-year study evaluated the structure of the diocese and collected feedback from community members on how to increase presence and attendance at churches in the area.