Pocono News Section

Catholic Church Suddenly Closed in Wilkes-Barre

Catholic Church Suddenly Closed in Wilkes-Barre - Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 4:40PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 @ 04:40pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- Parishioners of a Wilkes-Barre Catholic church got a rude awakening this Ash Wednesday. The doors of Sacred Heart on North Main were locked and blocked off with caution tape.

Some parishioners have been fighting the diocese' plan to close their church for good. But now it appears, mass won't be held at the site anytime soon. That's despite the fact three days ago, we were told the church was filled with worshippers.

Eyewitness News has learned at least two structural reports revealed problems with masonry on the 100-year-old church building. And that's not sitting well with churchgoers like Anthony Foti. “I think it's up to whoever it was at the pastoral level or the diocese who got the report to try and explain to everybody here, what just led to this closing. We don't understand,” he said.

Anthony Foti says he's a licensed structural engineer. He's demanding to see a copy of the structural report.