Pocono News Section

Another Pittston Church Closes

Another Pittston Church Closes - Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 4:11PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Sunday, Jun 29, 2008 @ 04:11pm EST
PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY- One last time, mass was celebrated at St. John the Baptist church. The 116-year-old parish once served a once vibrant Slovak community. Msgr. John Bendik said, “They loved this church. There's no question about that. But they also understand that we're moving into a future that's very tenuous as terms as number of us as priests.”

At mass, Bendik didn't mention numbers or finances. He didn't talk about the diocese. Instead, he shared memories. “I went down the aisle and many greeted me so happily. So that's gives me an uplift to know that these people are here to celebrate the faith and that that faith was founded here in this parish,” he said.

Thousands of people have been baptized, married and buried from “The Baptist.” Irene Dunay said, “I mean we had our 50th anniversary here. My husband of course was raised here, received first Holy Communion here, baptized here.”

Parishioners got one last glimpse at the church's beloved architecture, stained glass windows and statues. Tom Loyack said, “It's tough, thank God we had a good showing, everybody's here and they're in one place.”

Bendik added, “ They love the church, but they're here because they love the Church, with a capital "C" and I can see that in their faces.”

And sources tell Eyewitness News more Pittston churches are destined to close under a diocesan plan. Official word will come from the bishop's office.