Diocese of Oakland announces closure of 13 East Bay churches
ABC7 San Francisco • • nation
Key Points:
- The Oakland Diocese announced plans to close thirteen Catholic parishes, including seven in Oakland and six others in surrounding areas like Castro Valley and Walnut Creek, affecting thousands of East Bay residents.
- The closures are attributed to a shortage of priests, declining Catholic school enrollment, and reduced Mass attendance, despite recent financial struggles and a $16 million judgment in a clergy abuse case.
- Parishioners expressed shock and sadness, with some longtime members describing their churches as second homes and lamenting the impact on their communities.
- Some clergy, like Father Leo Edgerly of Our Lady of Lourdes, remain hopeful as the closure process is still ongoing and have urged parishioners to continue their involvement.
- Displaced parishioners will be welcomed at nearby churches, but decisions about the future of church properties will be made by individual pastors, with the diocese declining further comment.
