A big change is coming for three Catholic churches in Elmira. A decline is members and a shortage of priests are two reasons why three Catholic parishes in Elmira will eventually merge. When the Rev. Scott Kubinski is assigned as priest in July, he will oversee the three parishes, according to the Rochester diocese. Christ the Redeemer, Blessed Sacrament and St. Mary’s will be served by Kubinski in the new alignment of Catholic parishes. The parish will make several changes in scheduling and eliminate a few masses in light of the merger. Catholic churches have closed or merged in recent years including several in the Binghamton area and Tioga County.
