Draft plan targets more than 10 churches across WAVE Country
The Archdiocese of Louisville has proposed closing more than 10 churches and merging others due to rising costs, low attendance, and a shortage of priests.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – The Archdiocese of Louisville has sent a draft plan to parishes proposing the closure of more than 10 churches and the merger of others.
The archdiocese said it is facing rising costs, especially at churches with low attendance, which are now targeted for closure, according to Chancellor Brian Reynolds.
“Nobody wants to close a church,” he said. “But if all you’re able to do is keep the lights on because there aren’t enough resources or people worshiping there, it’s important to face that reality.”
The plan proposes closing the following churches:
St. Leonard Catholic Church (440 Zorn Ave, Louisville, KY)
St. Boniface Catholic Church (531 E. Liberty St., Louisville, KY)
St. Simon and Jude Catholic Church (4335 Hazelwood Ave., Louisville, KY)
Most Blessed Sacrament (3509 Taylor Blvd, Louisville, KY)
St. Teresa of Calcutta (903 Fairdale Rd, Louisville, KY)
St. Frances of Rome (2119 Payne St., Louisville, KY)
Immaculate Conception Church (8191 New Haven Road, New Haven, KY)
Holy Cross (59 New Haven Road, Loretto, KY)
Holy Name of Mary (3295 Highway 208, Lebanon, KY)
Holy Rosary (6964 Cissellville Road, Manton, KY)
The plan also calls for parish mergers, where two or more parishes would combine into one:
St. Thomas More (6105 S. Third Street, Louisville, KY) & St. John Vianney (4839 Southside Drive, Louisville, KY)
Our Mother of Sorrows (747 Harrison Avenue, Louisville, KY) & St. Elizabeth (1020 East Burnett Avenue, Louisville, KY)
St. Brigid (1520 Hepburn Avenue, Louisville, KY) & St. James (1826 Edenside Avenue, Louisville, KY)
A third category, called parish clusters, would keep parishes independent but require them to share a pastor and certain expenses:
St. Martin de Porres (3112 W. Broadway, Louisville, KY) with St. Augustine (1310 West Broadway, Louisville, KY)
Holy Name (2914 S. Third Street, Louisville, KY) with a parish yet to be determined
St. John Paul II (3539 Goldsmith Lane, Louisville, KY) with St. Bartholomew (2042 Buechel Bank Road, Louisville, KY)
Reynolds said the churches targeted for closure have too few parishioners, and many are no longer offering services beyond Mass.
“If you are worshiping with a larger congregation, that vitality can grow,” Reynolds explained. “But when attendance drops to just a few dozen people, not only do financial resources go toward basic expenses like electricity, but the sense of community also fades.”
There are currently 57 Catholic churches in Louisville, and Reynolds said the archdiocese cannot continue managing that many. Churches were asked to provide details such as attendance, seating capacity, parking availability, baptisms, and marriages conducted over the past year.
The archdiocese is also facing a shortage of priests. Reynolds said there are 109 priests, but about 50 are retired.
“While retired priests still help serve in some churches, it places a burden on them,” he added.
Reynolds acknowledged that the changes will be difficult for many parishioners but said they are necessary.
“There’s no question it’s a loss for people,” he said. “At the same time, we ask what can be done when a church has so few members and lacks the resources to support meaningful programs. Many would rather see the faith grow than keep churches open that few people attend.”
Each parish will have the opportunity to provide input on the plan. If approved, the changes could be implemented within the next two years, Reynolds said.
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