Dwindling worshippers, low attendance: behind the Archdiocese of Seattle's consolidation plans

The Archdiocese of Seattle, which covers Western Washington from the Canadian to Oregon border, announced last week a plan to consolidate churches into parish families that share a priest and buildings. A number of factors, including low mass attendance, are driving the decision.

Rosa Luna attends Pope Pius X in Mountlake Terrace. She said she was shocked to learn the news.

"I just wasn't expecting it. Although, after you consider it, it makes complete sense and it seems like the right thing to do," she said.

While Luna was surprised to learn about the "Partners in the Gospel" consolidation effort, she said she plans to attend whatever church her parish ends up at.