BUFFALO - Eleven Catholic churches in Niagara County will close and two others will become occasional worship sites, according to the Diocese of Buffalo, expanding efforts to realign parishes and deal with an anticipated priest shortage.

Pastors explained the closings at Masses. Parishioners in two churches said they will appeal Bishop Edward Kmiec's decision to the Vatican.

“We feel as though we're a vibrant church and should be left open as a worship site,” said Michael Ulrich, a trustee of St. Mary Church in Lockport. The 148-year-old parish has nearly 1,000 registered families, making it one of the largest churches in the diocese targeted to close.

Niagara Falls is slated to lose six of its 13 Catholic churches. Two of the five Catholic churches in Lockport will close, and a third will become an oratory for use on special occasions.