Diocese of Pittsburgh says traditional Latin Mass at Beaver County chapel has not been approved

CONWAY, Pa. — Through a window on the door of a church on Second Avenue in Conway, you can see a sign that says, “Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel.”

That sign also says it’s a “World class home for the traditional Latin Mass and Sacraments in the Beaver Valley.”

But the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh said they’re not approved by the diocese to offer the Mass.

According to a statement from the diocese:

“The Diocese of Pittsburgh has become aware of announcements concerning the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass at a privately owned property identifying itself as Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel in Conway, Pennsylvania.

“This initiative has not been presented to Bishop Mark Eckman for his review or approval. Neither the chapel nor the announced liturgical celebrations have received authorization from the Diocese of Pittsburgh. The faithful are therefore advised not to attend these celebrations, which do not fulfill the Sunday obligation.”

One neighbor told Channel 11 off camera she saw about 15 to 20 people attend a service there this past Sunday.

“There’s just a bunch of cars usually, and we have church behind us too, so we don’t know who anybody belongs to,” neighbor Samantha Emery added.

This church was listed for sale in 2024 by the New Life Assembly of God Church.

According to property records, it was purchased by the Catholic Identity Foundation.

It’s a non-profit based in Weirton, West Virginia.

The number listed is for the director, Attorney Eric Frankovitch.

Channel 11’s Andrew Havranek called his office and left a voicemail asking for comment. That call has not been returned.

Havranek also messaged the president of the foundation, Michael Matt, but did not hear back.

In a new statement Wednesday afternoon to Channel 11, the diocese said, “This specific property itself is in no way affiliated with the Diocese of Pittsburgh or any of our current or former parishes. The group has never identified itself nor the priest. The bishop has not authorized any priests to celebrate Mass at this location.”

Conway used to have a Catholic Parish, Our Lady of Peace. The Pittsburgh diocese closed that church during a merger in 2022.

Because of that, some neighbors said the diocese shouldn’t get involved with this organization’s Latin Mass.

“They pretty much bailed out of Conway. They’re not around here,” William Giska said. “So, I don’t know why they want to be involved in it. If they’re not doing anything wrong, leave them alone. Everybody is entitled to their right to religion.”

In its statement, the diocese encouraged Catholics who want to participate in the Latin Mass to attend Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish at 3250 California Ave., Pittsburgh, where Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal is celebrated daily by priests of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest.

“Bishop Eckman is grateful for the faith and devotion of those who cherish the Traditional Latin Mass and remains committed to their spiritual care and to growing together in unity as one Church,” the diocese said.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW