Four new, merged parishes to be created July 1, 2021

Four groupings of parishes in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh will merge on July 1, 2021, to create four new parishes, Bishop David Zubik announced today. Fifteen parishes will be part of the mergers.

“For more than two years, you have journeyed together on a road that is intended to unite you on the mission to bring the Good News of Jesus to your neighbors and to strengthen all of you in faith,” Bishop Zubik said. 

In a letter to parishioners Bishop Zubik wrote, “This has not been a simple task. Jesus never promised that it would be easy to carry his message of love and mercy to others. He was clear that sacrifice would be necessary. However, you are positioning your new parish for more effective ministry by addressing financial needs, sharing resources and allowing your clergy to focus on the spiritual work for which they were ordained. With your faith in Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit, I invite you to warmly welcome and serve each other as you become one parish family.”

The four new parishes are:

• All Saints (Butler/Center/Lyndora/Meridian), which brings together the parishes of Saint Andrew (Center Township), Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen (Lyndora/Meridian), Saint Michael the Archangel (Butler), Saint Paul (Butler) and Saint Peter (Butler);
• Christ the King (Lower Allegheny Valley), which brings together the parishes of Saint Joseph (O’Hara Township), Saint Juan Diego (Sharpsburg), Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (Blawnox/Harmar) and Saint Scholastica (Aspinwall);
• Mary, Queen of Saints (Aliquippa/Center/Hopewell/Monaca), which brings together the parishes of Saint Frances Cabrini (Center Township), Saint John the Baptist (Monaca), Our Lady of Fatima (Hopewell Township) and Saint Titus (Aliquippa);
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Allison Park/Glenshaw), which brings together the parishes of Saint Mary of the Assumption (Glenshaw) and Saint Ursula (Allison Park).

Each of the mergers was requested by the priest-administrator of the grouping, after extensive consultation with parishioners. Bishop Zubik consulted with the diocesan Priest Council and Vicars General before approving each request.

The mergers are part of the ongoing On Mission for The Church Alive! strategic planning initiative, which is designed to help parishes mobilize their resources to prioritize mission over maintenance. Its goal is to help Catholics have a deeper relationship with Jesus, His Church and empower them to reach out to others with His love and mercy.

“This is a pivotal time for our diocese as we plan for the future of the Church of Pittsburgh,” Bishop Zubik said. “Southwestern Pennsylvania is radically different than it was 100, 50, 20, even 10 years ago, yet the work of the Church and our call from God to bring His love to everyone continues as strong as ever. As we address the challenges we face in the Church today, the witness of working and growing together reflects the unity of the Body of Christ that is essential to our mission.”

The mergers of July 1, 2021 will bring the number of parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh from 81 to 70.

Click here to read Bishop David Zubik's letter announcing the July 2021 parish mergers.