The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has scheduled final Masses for three churches slated to close, according to the diocese. Our Lady of Lourdes in East Palestine will hold its last Mass on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m., Saint Patrick in Leetonia on Nov. 10 at 6 p.m., and St. James in Lake Milton on Nov. 11 at 6 p.m.
Diocesan officials attributed the closures to shifting demographics, a declining number of priests, aging facilities and financial strain, describing the decision as following a period of prayerful reflection along with data and financial analysis.
Bishop David Bonnar announced the previous year that Saint Jude, Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Patrick parishes in the Columbiana County Deanery would merge into what became Saint Carlo Acutis Parish. During the past year, the East Palestine and Leetonia sites held no regular Masses; they had earlier been designated as secondary worship sites reserved for special Masses and baptisms.
Bonnar said he recognizes the grief the changes bring, while describing the merged parish as better positioned to combine resources, support ministries and focus on evangelization, faith formation and service to people in need.
The bishop also noted that the St. James closing does not leave the area without Masses. Three remain: a Saturday vigil and a Sunday morning Mass at Saint Catherine Church in Lake Milton, plus a Sunday morning Mass at Saint Mary/Saint Joseph Church in Newton Falls.