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Pocono News Section
Catholic Church Consolidation Hits Williamsport
Catholic Church Consolidation Hits Williamsport - Monday, February 2, 2009 at 9:04PM EST
Williamsport, Lycoming County-
The Catholic Church consolidation is also hitting home in Central Pennsylvania.
If it sounds like the same old song, it’s because the tune is becoming all too familiar. Declining attendance and a shortage of priests mean change is coming to Catholic churches in Billtown.
The news is just starting to sink in with many churchgoers.
Claire Caputo, of Old Lycoming Township, said, “It’s been happening with other churches. We’re not unique in this, but we are unique because now it is us.”
Parishioners learned over the weekend that Holy Rosary Church in Newberry will close by the end of July. Services will also be reduced at Ascension Church and Mater Dolorosa.
Caputo noted, “It is sad, there’s no doubt about it. But i understand it.”
Annunciation Church on Fourth Street will now serve as Williamsport’s main worship site.
Priests and parishioners alike acknowledge the sadness of closing any church. But they say they’re trying to look at this in as positive a light as they can.
Caputo added, “Many people are sad because so many memories are there, but we have to do what we have to do.”
Annunciation Church’s Father John Manno said, “I know it has to be done. Naturally we’re concerned. We pray over how we’re going to do it, to implement it now. But we have wonderful people helping us, that’s for sure.”
Father Manno says there’s already a lot of interaction between the different churches. He hopes that familiarity will ease the transition for everyone involved.
Father Manno added, “You know, we aren’t bringing people into something new at the worship site here. It’s something that’s always been theirs.”
According to the Bishop, each church that remains open in Williamsport will be reviewed again in two years. | | |
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