SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – The Catholic Diocese of Sioux City plans to consolidate parishes starting in summer 2017. The Rev. Brent Lingle directs the diocese’s office of worship, and he said Thursday the number would be reduced to 67 from 108. Lingle says the moves are necessitated by a growing shortage of priests and declining membership and church attendance.

Since 2008, only 16 of the 108 parishes have seen growth, while overall Mass attendance has dropped nearly 25 percent. Membership has fallen as the average age of churchgoers increases and family size decreases. None of the church buildings would close, but 40 no longer would have Masses celebrated there. They could continue to be the sites of weddings, funerals and the like.