SAGINAW TOWNSHIP (AP) -- More than 50 Catholic churches and other sites in 11 Michigan counties could be closed as part of a Diocese of Saginaw reorganization.
MLive reports that the diocese has proposed reducing its 105 churches by more than half by July 2013.
Eighteen additional sites operating along with other churches also are expected to be shuttered. A planning commission will review closing proposals.
The diocese is expected to announce final plans in January. Declining membership is behind the reorganization.
The number of parishioners in the dioceses has dropped by more than 51,000 since 1988. Current membership is close to 109,000.
The diocese has churches in Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac and Tuscola counties.
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