Pittsburgh Diocese Considering Closing Churches

As members of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish gathered for a church meeting Monday night, there is an inner struggle weighing heavy on their hearts and minds. "I feel very sad after so many years being in this church and having it closed," said Connie Phillip, of St. Anne's parish.

Because of declining attendance at Sunday Mass, parish officials have proposed closing St. Anne's, St. Mary Magdalene and St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Churches and maintain St. Michael's in Munhall as the parish church building. "The other factor, and it's a big one, is that financially the church has not been able to have the funds come in to take care of the buildings," said Father Jim Young of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish.

Parishioners told Channel 11 News that by closing the churches the parish administration is not fulfilling all members' needs. "I just think the diocese has no sense of history. St. Mary Magdalene has been here for 100 plus years. I think there's room for two churches, not one," said Vincent Rodgers, of St. Mary Magdalene Church.

The plan still needs to be presented to Bishop David Zubik, and he will have the final say on whether to close the churches.