Pocono News Section

First Easter After Consolidation

First Easter After Consolidation - Sunday, April 12, 2009 at 11:01AM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 @ 11:01am EST

PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY -- For one Catholic parish in Luzerne County, Sunday was the first Easter following the consolidation of four churches into one at St. John the Evangelist.

"We combined four of our churches into one, and we closed St. Casimir, St. John the Baptist, and St. Joseph's," said Msgr. John Bendik, Pastor of St. John the Evangelist.

Those churches had different cultural backgrounds, including Lithuanian, Polish, and Slovak. Last year, the parish had seven Easter masses. This year, there are just three, and in one church.

"They were in their own church for Easter last year, but now they come here for Easter and say this is so beautiful to be here, and that makes my heart feel good," added Bendik. "I'm delighted that our people have been so cooperative and so positive about being part of who we are as a parish community, so I'm very grateful on this Easter Sunday."

"It was very nice. Everyone was one," said Cathy Gechunis of Port Griffith. She used to attend St. Casimir. "We all joined together today as one family."

"We're doing a good job of uniting all the churches, I think," said Billy Burns of Pittston, a 60-year usher at St. John's. "And everybody seems happy."

Msgr. Bendik says while it's sad to close churches, the spirit is in the people -- not brick and mortar.

MONSIGNOR BENDIK SAYS WHILE IT'S SAD TO CLOSE CHURCHES, HE SAYS THE SPIRIT IS IN THE PEOPLE - NOT BRICK AND MORTAR.

"When you look at a church, the symbol of the resurrection is the people," said Bendik. "It's wonderful as Christians to be able to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, dying for us and rising so that we may bring His good news to others."

While many parishioners focused on what Jesus did for them 2,000 years ago, they're also looking forward to the church's future.

"It's wonderful because we have crowds again," added Burns. "And we need that to keep this church going."