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Catholic Church In Kingston Closes Its Doors Forever

Catholic Church In Kingston Closes Its Doors Forever - Sunday, November 25, 2007 at 4:52PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Sunday, Nov 25, 2007 @04:52pm EST
((KINGSTON, Luzerne County)

St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Kingston is closing its doors forever. It's all part of the Scranton Dioceses' Catholic consolidation plan.

Reporter Jill Konopka has more on the century old church and the hundreds that came from near and far to bid a final farewell. One final procession makes it's way to St. Hedwig's Church in Kingston.

Inside, hundreds of Parishioners packed the pews with heavy hearts. Father John LaPera said, "We come to this out of ordinary event as we celebrate mass here for last time."

The quaint Polish Catholic Parish did not survive the Scranton Diocese' consolidation plan. Parishioner Helen Sabados, "Oh it's so sad. I can't believe it. It's such a beautiful church.”

One filled with many memories. Theresa Luksa also spoke with WBRE News, "I met this beautiful man and we got married here in St. Hedwig's church."

Frank and Theresa Luksa came to say goodbye from Upstate New York. Frank Luksa added, "I was born here down the street and we walked to church every Sunday and Mom in hand. It was just a good memory."

Theresa Luksa told WBRE News, "It served so many people. There were so many happy marriages and memories here." So many more came from near and far including Deborah Kopicki-Graser of Fairfield, CT, "I heard about it through the Internet and I had to be here because my whole family had their faith here and I grew up here."

Life long member George Miscavage was raised right across the street. Miscavage is concerned, "I was baptized here, I received first communion here, I was confirmed here, and I went to school here, until they closed it and now the church." Miscavage never thought this day would come.

Miscavage added, "This is what Bishop Martino wants to do, consolidate everything I don’t know if it's about priests or money."

Father John Lapera says several factors including a priest shortage, debt and declining membership caused this closure. Father Lapera stated, "This community has been there life, so to have to invite them to say goodbye, it's very difficult to do."

St. Hedwig's already merged with St. Ignatius last July. Some Parishioners say they'll head here, while others say they're going to St. Mary's.

Before the merge, members rallied behind the oldest Parishioner, 96-year-old Stella Sherin who locked the doors for good.

Father LaPera says the property will be sold, although it’s unclear for what type of development.
 


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