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In a move shaped by years of changing attendance patterns and fewer new priests, the Diocese of Fall River is preparing to restructure parish life in parts of southeastern Massachusetts.
The diocese announced May 25 that starting in June, local Catholics in New Bedford and Westport will see the closure of one parish and the merger of three others, SouthCoastToday reported.
In Westport, the town’s remaining Catholic churches — Our Lady of Grace, St. George, and St. John the Baptist — will officially combine on June 20, under the name Divine Mercy Parish. While the three already share one pastor and have begun integrating operations, this formal step cements their future as one parish family. All three church buildings will remain in use for worship.
Meanwhile, New Bedford’s St. Francis of Assisi Parish will close at the end of the month. The parish, which began in 1928 to serve the Italian American community, will hold its final liturgies before June 30. The diocese is encouraging parishioners to join one of two nearby churches — Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus or St. Lawrence Martyr — both of which already share pastoral leadership with St. Francis.
Bishop of Fall River Edgar da Cunha described the decisions as the fruit of prayer and consultation. He acknowledged the challenges involved for those affected but emphasized the need to respond to current realities.
“Over the past year, I have worked closely with my cabinet, the Personnel Board, and diocesan leadership, seeking possible resources and exploring alternatives in assessing the future of our diocese,” the bishop said in a statement. “Despite our best efforts, it is clear that we must make these changes.”
St. Francis of Assisi’s history stretches back nearly a century, and its closure marks a new chapter in New Bedford, which will now have eight remaining Catholic churches. The changes reflect both the city’s evolving demographics and broader pressures facing dioceses nationwide.
