The Diocese of Oakland, California, will shutter 13 churches across the East Bay as part of a restructuring effort driven by shrinking congregations, a severe priest shortage, and mounting financial pressures.
Bishop Michael Barber described the move as a necessary next step in an April 28 letter describing the diocese's Mission Alignment Process (MAP), an initiative begun in 2021 "to address a growing gap between the mission of the Church and the operational realities" of mounting challenges.
"The status quo is not sustainable nor is it serving God's people," Barber stated. "We must focus on the activities that foster prayerful celebrations of the Mass, prioritize works of mercy, and form missionary disciples."
He pointed to long-term trends that include falling Mass attendance, reduced sacramental participation, and declining Catholic school enrollment.
These challenges are compounded by the diocese's record-low number of priests serving its roughly 80 parishes, along with an aging clergy and persistent budget shortfalls at churches and diocesan schools.
The parishes slated for closure include Mary Help of Christians in Oakland, Our Lady of Guadalupe at Blacow Road in Fremont, Our Lady of Lourdes in Oakland, Sacred Heart in Oakland, St. Albert the Great in Alameda, St. Andrew Kim Korean Pastoral Center in Oakland, St. Augustine in Oakland, St. Barnabas in Alameda, St. Paschal Baylon in Oakland, St. Patrick in Oakland, St. Rose of Lima in Crockett, St. Stephen in Walnut Creek, and Transfiguration in Castro Valley.
Barber acknowledged the emotional toll of the decision, saying: "I deeply understand the sacrifice this will require. We cannot allow nostalgia and sentimentality to hold back the message of the Gospel. While we love our local church building, the church has never been solely a building. The church has always been a people called by God and united in faith. The faith of our people will continue, just in a different place and with new people."
The bishop said that as he has "full responsibility for the pastoral care of every Catholic in our diocese," he is making it a "priority to ensure all affected parishioners are welcomed at a nearby parish."
"I make a heartfelt plea to the 'receiving' parishes to open your hearts wide to your fellow Catholics who will be joining you," he said. "Love them, make room for them not only in the pew alongside you but in the activities of your parish. Welcome them as your own, for we are all one as Christ's body."
The restructuring occurs as the diocese faces significant legal and financial difficulties. In response to hundreds of lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse by clergy members, the diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2023 to manage claims through a unified court process and reach settlements.
