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Third Of Boston's Catholic Parishes In Red

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston says that around a third of its parishes were operating in the red for fiscal year 2009.

The annual financial report released Thursday also showed that the recession in 2008 struck the priest and lay employee pension funds.

The report says funds for disabled and retired priests were short $104 million.

Meanwhile, the pension fund for lay employees was only three-quarters funded.

Officials said that with new measures the lay fund is expected to be fully funded in four years. Officials also say the archdiocese should see a balanced budget by the end of this fiscal year.

Chancellor Jim McDonough said parishes have to increase revenues to fund staff and services.

The report said weekly contributions to parishes fell 2 percent.

This program aired on June 10, 2010. The audio for this program is not available.

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