YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio- The Catholic diocese of Youngstown is proposing consoliding several churches in response to shifts in population, as well as a shortage of priests.

There are 97 priests across 112 parishes in the diocese, but 36 of them are expected to retire over the next five years.

The plan was unveiled Wednesday night to churches in the Mahoning, Columbiana, Trumbull, Stark, Portage and Ashtabula counties.

Under the plan, some of the churches would merge, such as St. Nicholas and Holy Trinity in Struthers.

Monsignor John Zuraw said this is only the first step in the process.

"We're giving them the preliminary work and this doesn't end our work, but it continues on when we implement the plan from tonight," Zuraw said.

Marie from Holy Trinity said she hopes all parishioners feel included in the process.

"We don't want to see any parishioners lose their identity or overcome their loss of identifying with their parish. So we want to make sure that everyone feels like they are all a part of this," she said.

Parishes that reject the consolidation plan have until March 15 to submit the reasons for their opposition to the dean of their county.

Bishop George Murry will make a final decision on the plan by May 23.