BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Diocese of Buffalo announced Thursday it will eliminate 21 employment positions and reduce three more to part-time employment. All of the employees whose positions are being eliminated are eligible for unemployment compensation immediately.
"We anticipate that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic will exacerbate the financial challenges that the Diocese is already confronting," friar Peter Karalus said. "This is why we are accelerating our plans to better align the functions of the Catholic Center with the needs of our parishes."
According to the Diocese, such plans had been in the works since spring of 2019. The COVID-19 outbreak has led to an acceleration of that process. The Diocese will continue health insurance for those whose positions it is eliminating until the end of April.