CAMPBELL, Ohio (WKBN) – On Sunday, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown announced that two Campbell churches will be closing in November.
The Saint Lucy Church and Saint Joseph the Provider Church in Campbell will be closed with effect from November 28th. The Saint John the Baptist campus will be the congregation’s only place of worship, Reverend David J. Bonnar, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, said in a publication.
A closing mass will take place in November in both final churches.
The Banquet Center in Palermo will remain open for the time being to continue the community and to serve as a source of income for the community.
Local firefighters return safely from Louisiana after providing hurricane relief
The decision to choose the campus of Saint John the Baptist was recommended to Bishop Bonnar in a letter dated August 29th from Reverend James Korda.
Father Korda was appointed Special Administrator of Christ the Good Shepherd in June. His responsibilities include working with community councils to assess and strengthen the community’s viability in the face of nearly $ 850,000 in debt, the statement said.
Father Korda and councilors were also tasked with executing the 2019 Pastoral Plan promulgated by the late Bishop George V. Murry, SJ, who called for a place of worship for Campbell. This decision had previously been recommended by the community leaders.
“It is imperative that this matter be resolved for the good of the Church and that a Catholic community continue to exist in the town of Campbell. As your Bishop, I am committed to the parish of Christ to the Good Shepherd; However, we have to live in reality and accept the fact that there can only be one place of worship, ”Bishop Bonnar said in a press release. “I thank Father Korda and all the members of the councils for the recommendation and their meticulous efforts.”
Don’t miss the next breaking local news. Sign up for breaking news email notifications today.
