California Today

7 Oakland Catholic churches to close amid abuse lawsuits

01 May 2026 14:30

The Oakland Diocese will close 13 churches, including 7 in Oakland, due to declining attendance and a financial crisis from sexual abuse lawsuits. - Closures include Our Lady of Lourdes and St.

Paschal Baylon. - Bishop Barber cites falling mass participation, low school enrollment, and priest shortage.

- Diocese seeks bankruptcy plan with $165 million for survivors, criticized as inadequate. - Affected parishioners will be accommodated at other locations.

The closures are part of a broader restructuring amid ongoing legal and financial challenges.

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