Pocono News Section

Freeland's Catholic Churches Must Consolidate

Freeland's Catholic Churches Must Consolidate - Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 8:08PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Sunday, Sep 23, 2007 @08:08pm EST
((FREELAND, LUZERNE COUNTY) –

Parishioner Patricia Brogan spoke with WBRE News, "Last week and the week before, they notified us, they're going to have to close some churches, but it's hard to decide what they'll decide."

The future of the Freeland Catholic Community is uncertain as parishioners learn three of the borough's four catholic churches must close.

Catholics in Freeland say they have a lot of unanswered questions. Only time will tell which one of the four churches will stay open. All four catholic churches in Freeland built by the immigrants, who settled here, now face financial foes.

Agnes Brogan attends St. Ann’s, "Yes, it's all money. It takes a lot of money to keep four churches." The pastor of the Freeland Catholic Community recently told Parishes they can't afford to keep them, St. John's, St. Ann's, St. Anthony's and St. Casimir's all open.

Geraldine Babbish spoke to WBRE News "Well, they have no choice in the matter. I feel sad it had to come down to this, but the cost of living is unbearable." Each church only celebrates one mass a week and with heating costs soaring to 70-grand last winter - only one church can stay open. Agnes Brogan, "They couldn't do anything else, if they don't have the money to save all these churches."

A decision has already been made to keep St. Ann's and only St Ann's open in the winter." Geraldine Babbish, "I guess it will be less expensive with the heat and eventually they'll make the decision whenever you know.” Patricia Brogan added, "They're going to winterize the other churches, that's why I think they still have to feel things out.”

When they do, this group from St. Ann's hopes the amount of available parking plays a part. Mrs. Brogan added, "The parking is going to be a problem, I heard some of the older people said they didn't want to go if they have no where to park because they have to park close to the church, many have walkers or canes." A decision won't be made at least until the spring.

Agnes Brogan added, "St. John's is the biggest church. They may keep that open. Patricia Brogan added, “They're parking lot is a lot bigger, but it takes more to heat a great big church." We did try to contact Pastor John Melnick he declined our request for an interview - because he wasn't feeling well.