An Ohio priest’s announcement to parishioners over the weekend that three parishes will soon merge was not authorized by the local bishop, the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, stated June 9.

Local NBC affiliate 21 News reported that it obtained a letter from the diocese Monday which will be read at parishes this coming weekend, explaining that a merger is not necessarily forthcoming.

Father John Jerek, pastor of St. Christine Catholic Church and St. Brendan Catholic Church in Youngstown, told parishioners during his homily June 8 that the two churches would merge with Our Lady of Sorrows, another Youngstown church that he pastors. 

According to 21 News, he said the limited number of priests in the diocese and declining Mass attendance were factors in the decision to merge. He added that the three parishes, once merged, would be given a new name, and informed the congregation that a meeting regarding the merger would be held June 24.

In response, Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar said that he and Fr. Jerek discussed the possibility of a merger for the three parishes several months ago but that he never authorized a merger.

According to 21 News, the diocese’s letter to the parishioners states that “a bishop cannot indiscriminately close a parish or church building.”

“Any decision on such matters requires a process rooted in Canon Law that originates within the parish and involves the Finance and Pastoral Councils, the letter continues. “In addition, once a petition is submitted to the bishop it must be reviewed by the Presbyteral Council. For the record, there has never been a petition, and no such action has ever been vetted by the Presbyteral Council.”

However, Bishop Bonnar acknowledged that the diocese is in the process of developing a new regional plan to counteract the decline in available priests.