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July 28, 2010

Seven local parishes to remain open

By Staff New Castle News

NEW CASTLE — Seven Catholic parishes in Lawrence County will remain open until 2012.

However, as of Sept. 1, six of the parishes will be joined for staffing purposes.

That’s the determination of a team, which has been studying the challenges and strengths of each parish. The team is made up of representatives from each of the parishes, as well as staff from the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Its recommendations were reviewed by Bishop David Zubik and the Episcopal Council.

In a letter to all parishioners signed by local pastors and parish administrators, the team said “We have been reviewing together the population trends in our area, the needs of all our parishioners, the availability of priests to serve and the respective financial situations faced by each parish.”

The team’s conclusions are that:

•Mary, Mother of Hope will continue with the Rev. Victor Molka, and the Rev. John Petrarulo will remain at St. Vitus. The parishes will share the Rev. Sean Francis as parochial vicar.

•St. James the Apostle and Christ the King will have the Rev. Jim Downs as the priest serving both parishes. There will be more study done concerning the possibility of closing one of the buildings serving Christ the King.

•St. Vincent de Paul and St. Joseph the Worker will be cared for by the Rev. Steve Palsa. Deacon Dan Kielar will continue to serve as deacon at St. Vincent de Paul.

•St. Camillus will continue to be served by the Rev. Tom Lewandowski.

The report did not mention Holy Redeemer or Queen of Heaven parishes.

“Clear benchmarks will be established for viability, vitality and cooperation among parishes,” the letter to parishioners said. “A formal evaluation will occur in the Spring of 2012, to judge how well these benchmarks are being achieved.

“At that time, any necessary adjustments will be made to assist the parishes to continue in their efforts to be the Church Alive!”

Also locally, the Rev. Robert Schweitzer is retiring from St. Joseph the Worker Church for health reasons, and the Rev. John Rebel is retiring from St. James the Apostle.

The bishop’s appreciation for their service was noted in the letter.

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