YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) -- Recent parish mergers and site relegations in the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown are all pointing toward a larger trend of decreased membership and a lack of active priests in the diocese.

The diocese announced last week that three parishes in Youngstown and two in Trumbull County are now being combined. Those with the diocese say it's a result of financial changes, a lack of priests and changes within faith.

It's why Monsignor John Zuraw, the vicar general for the diocese, says they chose to merge St. Brendan, St. Christine, and Our Lady of Sorrows parishes into Saint Mary Magdalene Parish beginning Jan. 1. Mass for all three will be held at St. Christine's Church.

Mass will also cease at St. Peter and Paul Church beginning Nov. 2 due to decreased attendance.

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