Pocono News Section

Church Closing Protest in Schuylkill County

Church Closing Protest in Schuylkill County - Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 7:17PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Saturday, May 3, 2008 @ 07:17pm EST
POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY - Plans to close several Catholic churches have people fired up in Schuylkill County.

Several people spent Saturday afternoon walking with picket signs along Route 209 in Pottsville. Parishoners are upset with plans by the Diocese of Allentown to close churches in the McAdoo and Mahanoy City areas. Because of the consolidation plans, people have organized several vigils. One involves walking 40 miles from Middleport to Allentown.

"The closing of churches is a terrible thing, especially when it's not necessary," Nathaniel Kuvick of Port Carbon said.

The Diocese of Allentown says it needs to close several churches because of a lack of priests and cash.