Two Roman Catholic churches in Northern Schuylkill County will continue as independent parishes.
Father James Torpey, pastor of both parishes, shared the news with parishioners at St. Mary, Ringtown, and St. Joseph, Sheppton, on Saturday and Sunday during Mass.
A letter from the Most. Rev. John O. Barres, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown, told of the decision.
A copy of the letter was provided to The Republican-Herald.
"Moved by the overwhelming desire to provide for the spiritual care of the faithful, and desiring to address the ability of the faithful to fulfill their duty to proclaim the Gospel, and after consulting with the Diocesan Pastoral Council and the Council of Priests, I happily write to you today to inform you that Saint Mary and Saint Joseph Parishes will remain independent parishes under the care of one pastor or administrator. This presents a truly unique situation for your parishes. This decision has been made after much deliberation. Throughout the process from 2005 (the initial work for the Second Synod of Allentown) until now, a large number of persons have been involved gathering and analyzing information, surveying parishioners, and looking at the present and future needs or Ringtown and Sheppton parishes," the letter from Barres reads in part.
It goes on to say that circumstances have changed since 2008 when parishes in the diocese were consolidated.
At that time, no decision was reached regarding the two parishes.
"Saint Mary and Saint Joseph Parishes may see a growth in the number of parishioners because of the restructuring of the neighboring parishes, the expansion of the Humbolt Industrial Park, and the implementation of the long-awaited plan to build a large cargo airport in the area; the successful outcome of the recent parish capital campaigns; the renovations that have been done or have been proposed for both Saint Mary and Saint Joseph Churches; and finally, the stable financial status of both parishes," the letter reads.
Barres also wrote to the parishioners to remain vibrant in their faith so they may continue to promote the gospel.
Torpey posted information on a parish website, stmary-stjoseph.net, telling members he had something to share from the bishop before giving the message.
"Some of them arrived and they were anxious. They were not sure," he said.
Torpey who has been the pastor for two years at the parishes said, "I am happy for them, and I want them to love the Lord Jesus and his church."