Citing a priest shortage and falling attendance, the diocese closed three Nashua churches last year. Similar closings are expected to be announced by the Boston Archdiocese in May. Officials there cited declining attendance, a shortage of priests, the cost of renovating aging church buildings and the inability of the archdiocese to support struggling parishes in the midst of a financial crisis caused in part by the clergy sex abuse scandal. Diocesan finances in New Hampshire have been strained, in part by a slumping economy. The church also spent $18.8 million since July 2001 settling claims by 207 people abused by clergymen.
Posted by Editor at March 23, 2004 05:22 PM