BLACKSTONE, Mass. - Five parishes in the Blackstone Valley area will combine into two effective July 1.

Saint Mary parish in Uxbridge posted the announcement on Saturday.

Last summer, the parishes began the renewal process with representatives from each parish. 

Recommendations were presented to Bishop Robert McManus in February. They will unite Good Shepherd parish with St. Mary parish. St. Augustine parish in Millville and St. Theresa and St. Paul parishes in Blackstone will unite as one new parish out of the St. Paul location with a new name.

The announcement says demographic changes in the parishes, fewer priests, a smaller parishioner base at some parishes, and the financial burden of maintaining multiple parish properties led to the decision.

The diocese says they will automatically register current parishioners at St. Mary’s or the new parish, but they can choose to join a different parish.