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Pocono News Section
Four Freeland Churches To Become One
Four Freeland Churches To Become One - Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 12:17PM EST
Reported by: Joe Holden
Saturday, Feb 23, 2008 @12:17am EST
FREELAND, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Results of an engineering and architectural study focusing on four parish churches were released Friday night. The recommendations will alter the Catholic community of the southern Luzerne County borough.
Despite the tricky weather, more than a hundred parishioners attended an information session at Saint Ann Church. Staggering figures were identified. Costs to rehabilitate Saint Anthony, Saint John and Saint Casimir churches would likely soar into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Pastor Fr. John Melnick told those at the meeting the Roman Catholic community is "survival mode," indicating the money it would take to sustain the church buildings would be better spent upgrading one site.
Experts recommended Saint Ann become the primary worship site. Parish officials said the other churches would be closed. Bishop Joseph Martino would have to approve the parish's action plan. Fr. Melnick said he hoped to have official word from the Diocese as early as next month.
While at least one parishioner disagreed with the proposed move to close churches, a large majority indicated by raised hands they understood why the changes were necessary.
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