BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A Roman Catholic bishop in southwestern Michigan will speak to his flock about plans to deal with a priest shortage.

Bishop Paul Bradley plans to have roughly 30 churches sharing pastors, starting in July. No churches will be closed or merged.

Bradley is scheduled to appear Monday at Saints John and Bernard Parish in Benton Township. He spoke last week at a church in Wayland in Allegan County.

Kalamazoo Diocese spokeswoman Victoria Cessna tells The Herald-Palladium that retirements are exceeding the number of new priests. The diocese covers nine counties: Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Allegan, St. Joseph, Branch, Calhoun and Barry.