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Sasha Aslanian
St. Paul, Minn.

2 churches slated for closure appeal to Archdiocese

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Two of the 21 Twin Cities Catholic parishes slated to merge are appealing to the archbishop.

St. Austin in north Minneapolis, and St. Canice in Kilkenny are fighting to keep their churches open.

St. Canice said its congregation is growing in LeSueur County and has money in reserve. St. Austin is supposed to merge with St. Bridget in north Minneapolis.

Father George Kallumkalkudy, the pastor of St. Austin, said his parishioners are open to sharing a priest with St. Bridget, but don't think their church should be the one to close.

"We like to stay open in the center because we have a nice facility, newer facility here. The church building is far superior," he said.

A spokesman for the archdiocese said parishes have until midnight Wednesday to appeal. Archbishop John Nienstedt has 30 days to respond. The restructuring was announced 10 days ago in response to changing demographics, and a shortage of priests.