COUPON — As contractors slowly remove the burned remains of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church here, about 300 parishioners are determined to keep the congregation together, regardless of where they worship.
Members of the parish learned about a month ago that the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown has no plans to rebuild the 100-year-old structure.
Fire ripped through the historic church in September a few days before its historic birthday, rendering it a total loss. Since the fire, members have been attending Mass in the nearby church hall.
According to Rob Egan, spokesman at the diocese, Bishop Joseph Adamec met with members of the parish on Oct. 27 to discuss the church’s future. He had good news and bad news.
“The bishop told them the rebuilding of a new structure is not possible,” Egan said. “But, they can continue what they have been doing by having Mass in the church hall.”
The Rev. Brian Saylor, parish priest, said members have chosen to stick together.
Few, if any, have decided to attend Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas in Ashville or at St. Demetrius in Gallitzin. Both congregations are within a four-mile distance.
“Everybody has stayed, and we are continuing onward,” Saylor said.
“The people know there are financial issues that prevent us from rebuilding.”
Egan said the bishop is supporting the congregation’s desire to stay together.
“As long as we have a priest available who has a diocesan ministry, and can continue to pastor at that church, it can remain as it is,” Egan said.
“My sense is most of the community has stayed there to celebrate as a community.”
Local News
Members of burned church sticking together
- Local News
-
-
Proposed bill would expand use of traffic-light cameras
Some call it the hand of “big brother,” others are convinced cameras at signal lights would be effective in curbing red-light runners and ultimately saving lives.
-
Minister's trial date set
An issue has been resolved over the report from an examination of a girl allegedly taken by her mother to a Bedford motel to have sex with a traveling minister, clearing the way for a trial.
-
AP: Almost half of new veterans seek disability
America’s newest veterans are filing for disability benefits at a historic rate, claiming to be the most medically and mentally troubled generation of former troops the nation has ever seen.
-
Geistown beginning crime watch program
Residents will patrol Geistown streets in the coming weeks as part of a community watch program.
-
Persons of the Week: Nanty Glo vets will remember fallen comrades
Michael Kurtz, Tom Kasecky and Steve Kasecky will be among members of the Loy A. Douglass Post 3489 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Nanty Glo who will be honoring fallen veterans today, Memorial Day.
-
AG candidates face potential conflicts of interest
Both candidates for Pennsylvania attorney general have family ties that could pose a conflict of interest for the one who is elected as the state’s next chief legal officer.
-
Lawmakers: Capitol rallies unpersuasive
Nancy Richey stepped to the podium with a microphone at the Capitol rotunda with the hope that the right people would hear her message.
-
Richland closer to new chief
The search for Richland’s next police chief is winding down.
-
In brief: Thunderstorm downs trees, knocks out power
A late Sunday afternoon thunderstorm brought high winds, hard rain and hail to the Cambria-Somerset region.
- District Deaths May 28, 2012
- More Local News Headlines
-
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
