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Diocese of Youngstown to close two churches

Catholic IntelligenceUpdated 1 min read

The Diocese of Youngstown has approved proposals to close Our Lady of Lourdes Church in East Palestine and Saint Patrick Church in Leetonia. Bishop David J. Bonnar made the decision following financial analysis, data reviews, and consultations with parish leaders and the diocesan Presbyteral Council.

The closures follow the November 2025 merger of Saint Jude, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Saint Patrick parishes into the new Saint Carlo Acutis Parish. Both Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Patrick had ceased celebrating regular Mass times over the last year and previously served as secondary sites for baptisms and special Masses. The diocese cited aging buildings, fewer priests, changing demographics, and financial challenges as reasons for the decision.

Bishop Bonnar stated that the unified Saint Carlo Acutis community will allow the parish to pool resources and strengthen ministries. St. James Church in North Jackson will be relegated to profane but not sordid use. A final Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes is scheduled for Monday, November 9, at 6:00 p.m.

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