Five parishes in the Diocese of Fall River will close by the end of June. 

Bishop Edgar de Cunha said the closings are necessary to provide relief to priests who have too many assignments.  Declining Mass attendance and fewer priests are cited as reasons for closing parishes. 

The churches being shuttered include St. Francis of Assisi in New Bedford, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus in Attleboro and three in Westport, Our Lady of Grace, St. George and St. John the Baptist.