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Diocese Of Pittsburgh Closing Four Church Buildings In Washington Co.

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ROSCOE, Pa. (KDKA) -- The Diocese of Pittsburgh says four church buildings in southeast Washington County will close in March.

The buildings being closed are Saint Joseph in Roscoe, Saint Michael the Archangel in Fredericktown, Saint Thomas Aquinas in California, and Saints Mary & Ann in Marianna.

saint thomas aquinas
(Photo Credit: KDKA Photojournalist Bryce Lutz)

All four buildings are part of Saint Katharine Drexel Parish. Two of the parish's buildings will remain open: Ave Maria Church in Bentleyville and Saint Agnes Church in Richeyville.

In the rural communities served by Saint Katherine Drexel Parish, the news that four churches will close is devastating.

John White was married at St. Michael the Archangel 30 years ago.

"Very small town. There's not much going on in this town and to close a church, it's a disgrace. It's terrible," White said.

saint michael the archangel
(Photo Credit: KDKA)

White says when the doors close on the church he has lived next to for 15 years, it won't be the same.

"To see all these people out here every Sunday morning, it's just... It's like everybody gets together. It's nothing in this community but the church. I mean, it's a shame to say, but that's all they got here," he said.

The Diocese says financial constraints have forced the closure of the buildings.

"It is my hope that this action, while difficult, will allow your parish to be properly resourced to focus on the mission and ministry of promoting spiritual growth," Bishop David Zubik said in a statement.

The buildings will be closed on Monday, March 4.

A letter from Bishop David Zubik about the closures will be shared with parishioners at all masses this weekend.

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