The archdiocese of Philadelphia has announced plans to close three Catholic churches in the city and surrounding counties that were formerly associated with parishes that have been combined with neighboring parishes.
The announcement Sunday concerns Incarnation of Our Lord in Philadelphia's Olney section, Our Mother of Sorrows in Bridgeport in Montgomery County and Holy Saviour in Linwood, Delaware County.
All of the buildings will be relegated to what the canonical designation terms ``profane but not sordid use'' as of mid-July, which means they will no longer serve as worship sites and will close as Roman Catholic churches.
The archdiocese says the closure requests originated with the pastors of the parishes and was reviewed by officials of the archdiocese.
3 Philadelphia-Area Churches to Close
Copyright AP - Associated Press
