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Pocono News Section
Nesquehoning Parishioners Fuming
Nesquehoning Parishioners Fuming - Monday, June 16, 2008 at 11:37PM EST
Reported by: Joe Holden
Monday, Jun 16, 2008 @ 11:37pm EST
NESQUEHONING, CARBON COUNTY- Churchgoers from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church spoke out against a plan to shut their parish's doors come mid July. In a meeting Monday night, they expressed their concern over the process in which their church ended up on the dreaded hit list.
They explained their church building is the largest and it's condition is superior to two other churches in town. They argued the church is handicapped accessible, something the soon-to-be lone surviving parish is not. Parishioners from Mount Carmel claim it will cost in excess of $100 thousand to bring nearby Immaculate Conception up to code. That includes the addition of an elevator.
Saying there was no time to waste, parishioners formed committees Monday night at a meeting to oversee a formal appeal process. They'll first take on Bishop Edward Cullen and local diocesan officials. If unsuccessful, they pledged to take their battle to Vatican City. They admitted the process will take time and money. They may have money for a Canon Law attorney.
Time is not on their side.
The bishop has said, through published reports, his fast-tracked plan was prompted by parishioners who asked to just get the process over with. The Allentown Diocese' parish restructuring affects dozens of churches in Carbon and Schuylkill counties.
Church leaders blame evaporating vocations, coupled with too many parishes. The bishop's plan is scheduled to take effect July 15. The diocese acknowledged it was the parishioners' right to contest their parish's closing, but made no further comment in an emailed message.
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