PITTSBURGH — A Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh panel has recommended merging the current 188 parishes in the six-county diocese, which includes Butler County, into 48.

The On Mission Commission’s recommendations are part of a restructuring process launched by Bishop David Zubik.

The diocese earlier said it planned a dramatic reduction in the number of parishes due to declines in priests and church participation.

The commission recommends keeping multiple worship sites open in the parishes, although some churches would close. Also planned is streamlined administration with the goal of fewer but stronger parishes with better outreach.

The recommendations are to be reviewed by more diocesan boards in the coming months before final decisions in April.

In addition to Butler County, the diocese spans Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, Lawrence and Washington counties.