The former Immaculate Conception church building in Saint Clair, now being maintained by Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, will be closed because of declining use and rising maintenance costs.
Since 2008, the building has been used for Mass one day per year, and for funerals of former Immaculate Conception parishioners. Attendance at that Mass has been declining, and the number of funerals has significantly declined.
The costs of maintaining the building can no longer be borne by the parishioners of Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, nor is the parish able to raise sufficient funds to cover the costs, said Monsignor William Glosser, pastor.
The closing recommendation of Monsignor Glosser, made in consultation with his Parish Council, was reviewed by the Diocesan Council of Priests and the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Commission, which likewise recommended the action to Bishop Alfred Schlert.
The church building will close effective July 1. All sacred images, furnishings, vessels and altars will be removed and preserved for use by Saint Clare of Assisi Parish or another parish. All proceeds from the sale of the former church building, or of any items such as stained glass windows, will be retained by Saint Clare of Assisi Parish. These proceeds will not go to the Diocese of Allentown.
Parishioners at Saint Clare of Assisi Parish were told about the closure at this weekend’s Masses (June 20-21).
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