There was difficult news for parishioners this weekend: seven Catholic churches in one Pittsburgh-area parish are closing next month.

There was difficult news for parishioners this weekend: seven Catholic churches in one Pittsburgh-area parish are closing next month. The Diocese of Pittsburgh says declining Mass attendance and rising financial pressures are driving the closure of seven churches in the Saint Joseph the Worker Parish. Church leaders announced the decision in a letter from Bishop Mark Eckman, read during weekend services. The parish, made up of eight churches spread across several eastern suburbs, was formed through a merger in 2020. Beginning March 12, Saint Maurice Church in Forest Hills will be the sole church building to remain open, as the diocese continues broader restructuring efforts underway since 2021.