The La Crosse Catholic Diocese, which includes Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, is making plans to deal with a shortage of priests.

Diocese officials plan to reduce the number of parishes, without eliminating any of the buildings.

Diocese spokesman Ben Nguyen says churches in nearby locations will combine to serve as one parish -- and priests will be responsible for more than one building.

Currently, the diocese has 165 parishes. A study projects the diocese will have 82 priests by 2025.

The diocese will now set up committees to determine when to start the reconfiguration process.