Prayer Services Set Regarding Changes on the Way
WTOV
May 3, 2008
http://www.wtov9.com/news/16144781/detail.html
STEUBENVILLE, Ohio -- As a prayer service is set this weekend in the Diocese of Steubenville, a local parishioner is speaking out against church closures on the way.
The diocese announced in April that three churches will be closing June 8, and several priests will be reassigned.
This weekend the diocese will be holding prayer services, or holy hours, on the changes to come.
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In the meantime, one local parishioner is speaking out, trying to fight the closures and save her church.
"This isn't right," said Merica Petrella, a parishioner at St. Anthony's Parish.
Petrella has been a member of St. Anthony's Parish her whole life, and is against plans to close parishes to make way for the future Triumph of the Cross Cathedral.
"These are sacred holy ground," said Petrella. "And these are God's houses."
Petrella hasn't been shy about her feelings, as she's written letters to newspapers, church leaders across the country, even the pope.
In a recent article in a local newspaper, Petrella had some strong words.
Reporter: "In the article, you stated that you felt the bishop was committing euthanasia by closing the churches?"
Petrella: "Yeah, I believe that, because he's slowly killing the parish community."
The diocese has cited a declining population and a priest shortage for the closures.
Petrella said she can't even think about walking into a new cathedral.
"I couldn't sit there," said Petrella. "And see our cross hanging in a church it doesn't belong in."
When announcing the June closures, the diocese said, "Everyone in the six parishes will feel the pain of the familiar dying away. But we are people of faith. We believe in resurrection and life after death."
The prayer services, or holy hours, will take place on Sunday at 3 p.m. at several churches in the diocese.
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