Plan to revamp Boston archdiocese reaches cardinal

BOSTON (AP) - A plan to reorganize the Boston Archdiocese's 288 parishes into 135 clusters that share staffing and resources has reached Cardinal Sean O'Malley for final approval.

The Boston Archdiocese devised the plan over nearly two years to address a looming priest shortage and worsening financial and attendance numbers.

Church officials say the centerpiece of the plan is its push to draw lapsed Catholics back to church and reinvigorate the archdiocese, called the New Evangelization. They say the revamped structure will keep parishes intact so they'll be there when the church rebounds.

But some have said people won't accept the changes, ultimately leading to fewer parishes in a weaker church.

Two key archdiocesan groups, the Presbyteral Council and Cardinal's Cabinet, approved the plan earlier this month. O'Malley aims to make his decision by November.

Cox Media Group