PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has announced that four Roman Catholic parishes in the suburban city of Phoenixville are being merged into two.

Officials announced Sunday that Archbishop Charles Chaput has approved recommendations of a planning committee for the merger.

As of July 1, Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish will incorporate Holy Trinity Parish and Saint Ann Parish will incorporate Sacred Heart Parish.

As in other consolidations announced in April, officials cited demographic shifts, declining attendance and a shortage of clergy, among other factors.

All 267 parishes in the five-county archdiocese are being reviewed with an eye toward long-term restructuring.

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