The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh is laying off workers to avoid a $2.3 million deficit for the 2012-13 fiscal year, according to WTAE. 

Twenty-five full-time positions and eight part-time jobs were eliminated, Bishop David Zubik announced Thursday. 

A diocesan spokesman said $1 million had been saved by 15 employees who retired, resigned or were reassigned, WTAE reports.

Zubik said the decisions weren't easy, but were done with "professionalism, precision and care." 

"And with the clear understanding that we are first and foremost a church, not a corporation trying to build an attractive bottom line," he said. 

Income is projected to be $21 million this year—the diocesan budget for 2011-2012 was $23.2 million. 

The diocese is funded by a share of collections from its parishes—including Our Lady of Joy, Saint Januarius and Saint John the Baptist in Plum; Saint Irenaeus in Oakmont; and Saint Joseph in Verona. The diocesan budget doesn't include its social service agencies or parishes, which have their own budgets, however it covers administrative staff, including central church offices and some administration for its Catholic schools.

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