“Parishes in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago are running high budget deficits, totaling $36 million, due to a decline in church attendance, according to figures released Thursday. “More individual parishes this year have a deficit, whereas last year only some had a deficit,” said Thomas Brennan, director of finances for the archdiocese. The deficit increase for 2003 reflects a nationwide trend that has alarmed some Catholic leaders. In some Chicago parishes, notices have been posted, urging parishioners to attend mass.”