The leader of 1.3 million southeastern Michigan Catholics says the archdiocese will see 53 parishes merge, close or reorganize over the next five years in response to population shifts and a shortage of priests.
    
Archbishop Allen Vigneron described the wide-ranging restructuring at a Monday afternoon news conference releasing results of the latest phase of an intense, months-long study called “Together in Faith.”  It involved 1,500 lay people as well as clergy.
    
The archdiocese has 267 parishes.  Vigneron says two parishes will close outright in 2012, while others will merge, reorganize or undergo financial reviews to determine their future.
    
In addition  to the 53 parishes that face merger, closure or reorganization through the year 2016, 214 other parishes are to develop a plan for potential collaboration or merger with other parishes.