The Rochester Dioceses says it will not force Auburn-area churches to close.
The change comes after weeks of debate among the Catholic community, as the Dioceses weighed the fate of up to nine individual churches.
The Auburn Citizen reports that officials have given parishes until next September to divest unnecessary properties and only keep those needed to serve the community.
In June the Diocese recommended closing St. Alphonsus, St. Francis of Assisi and Holy Family churches in Auburn, and St. Joseph Church in Weedsport.
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