Ten parishes in the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese will merge into three by on July 1.

The merger, announced last week ny Bishop David Zubik, will impact some parishes in southern Butler County.

“This is a pivotal time for our diocese as we plan for the future of the Church of Pittsburgh,” said Zubik in a letter to parishioners.

The new Divine Grace Parish will include the parishes of St. Ferdinand in Cranberry Township, St. Gregory in Zelienople and Holy Redeemer in Ellwood City. It is the only parish of the three that includes Butler County residents.

The other two new parishes, Regina Coeli and Saint Luke the Evangelist, will be formed of current parishes in Allegheny and Beaver counties.

“This has not been a simple task. Jesus never promised that it would be easy to carry his message of love and mercy to others,” Zubik said. “However, you are positioning your new parish for more effective ministry by addressing financial needs, sharing resources and allowing your clergy to focus on the spiritual work for which they were ordained.

The diocese said parishioners had been consulted before the decision about the merger was made.

“With your faith in Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit, I invite you to warmly welcome and serve each other as you become one parish family,” Zubik said.

According to the diocese, the mergers are part of the ongoing On Mission for The Church Alive! strategic planning initiative, which is designed to help parishes mobilize their resources to prioritize mission over maintenance.

The mergers will reduce the number of parishes in the diocese from 70 to 63.

Last year, Butler County saw a similar merger process as the All Saints Parish formed from the former parishes of St. Andrew in Center Township, St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen in Lyndora, St. Michael the Archangel in Butler, St. Paul in Butler and St. Peter in Butler.

“Southwestern Pennsylvania is radically different than it was 100, 50, 20, even 10 years ago, yet the work of the Church and our call from God to bring His love to everyone continues as strong as ever, ” Zubik said. “As we address the challenges we face in the Church today, the witness of working and growing together reflects the unity of the Body of Christ that is essential to our mission.”