MADISON, Wis. -- Church officials revealed this weekend new information about the future of the St. Raphael's Catholic Catherdral in Madison and that information might have far-reaching consequences.

Diocese officials said that Bishop Robert Morlino plans to announce his decision about whether the burnt-out cathedral will be rebuilt next Sunday, WISC-TV reported. The historic St. Raphael's Cathedral was burned down in March 2005 by an arsonist.

Since then, there has been much debate about where to rebuild the cathedral. However, the Bishop's announcement could mean wide-ranging changes for two other downtown Catholic churches, WISC-TV reported.

At St. Patrick's Church on East Main Street, some parishioners expressed relief knowing there is a plan in place for St. Raphael's Cathedral, even if they don't know what the plan is.

"They are keeping us all in the dark and hopefully, it is all for the best, " said St. Patrick's parishioner Michael Bauldry. "To see the cathedral rebuilt would be nice. It was a very beautiful church. But again, they are keeping us in the dark."

The question is where to build the new cathedral in downtown Madison or elsewhere.

"The Bishop has indicated a strong preference for a downtown site," said the Rev. Kevin Holmes, monsignor at St. Patrick's.

While Holmes said that he isn't privy to the bishop's final decision, he said the diocese has favored two different downtown sites.

"The best, most promising properties I would say, are the St. Raphael's site or the Holy Redeemer site on Johnson Street," he said. "I've heard both of those discussed at some length."

However, rebuilding the cathedral downtown might force major changes at two Catholic churches there, Holy Redeemer and St. Patrick's Church.

Holmes said that rebuilding the cathedral downtown might mean the end of mass services at both churches, WISC-TV reported.

"The hope is that we will retain the churches we have downtown, and that there will be some ecclesiastical use for them," said Holmes. "But I do believe that the new cathedral, if it is as I expect re-built downtown, that that will be the parish church."

Bishop Robert Morlino wouldn't confirm or deny that statement, but he did say that his diocese is preparing to make some major changes, WISC-TV reported.

"All of the parishes in the diocese are in clusters and saying, 'What is the best way to use our property?'" Morlino said. "And especially, what is the most effective way to call upon our priests, so that they are not overly exhausted by maybe taking care of four or five church buildings."

Morlino said that the Parish Planning Commission has been looking into restructuring the diocese parishes for about a year and will make recommendations to him later this summer.

"I have to look at that whole plan, which I don't have yet," said Morlino. "And then I have to talk to all the people who feel that they might be hurt in some way. I'll be doing that over the summer."

Morlino said that he will announce his plans for the new cathedral in a ceremony on the St. Raphael's site on June 10.

According to the news release from the Catholic diocese, the bishop will lead a procession through downtown Madison, ending at the site.

The cathedral, which opened in 1850, was gutted after an arson fire erupted on March 14, 2005. During the past three years, the congregation of St. Raphael's has scattered to other churches, WISC-TV reported.

William Connell pleaded no contest in July 2006 to the charge of arson.