(KAIR) -- Four Catholic churches around Atchison will soon become one parish.
Parishioners of St Benedict’s, St. Joseph’s, Sacred Heart and St. Patrick’s churches will unite into one parish on July 5th.
It also means that Atchison Catholic Elementary School, which is part of the merger, will be changing their name to reflect the new parish.
While the name of the new combined parish hasn’t been made public, Father Gabriel Landis, priest at St. Joseph’s Church, says discussion about consolidation began with the archdiocese review in Kansas City in 2009.
He says the conclusion came that many weekend masses were being offered in Atchison and too few priests were able or available to conduct them at the four particular churches.
(Play Audio)
Father Gabriel says the decision is based off of the recommendation of the archdiocese and church law.
(Audio Continues)
Father Gabriel says while the merger is a difficult decision, he hopes it will strengthen the Catholic community as a whole.
(Audio Continues)
The four churches will still remain active with masses and events, but will no longer act as their own in day-to-day decisions.
Here's the link to the new priest assignments: http://www.theleaven.com/v34/v34n39assignments.html
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Two file to challenge local legislator
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
USD 415 board select new member
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Memorial Day enforcement hits KS roads
LATEST STORIES
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Tuition increase by KU, others in state
KS grad requirements updated after two decades.
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
Senator Slama won't endorse candidate in legislative race
Local author brings "Broken and Chained" to Falls City Saturday
RELATED STORIES
Atchison Co Commission Focuses On Speed Limits
Warnock Lake in Atchison Under Public Health Warning
Auburn School Board Approves Bids
Amelia Earhart Bridge Open to Final Traffic Configuration
One Person Injured in Atchison Wreck
MMA Meet and Greet Hopes to Provide Spark to Atchison Economy
Atchison Co Commission to Talk Transfer Station Privatization
Atchison Co to Take Over Township Road Maintenance
Atchison Man Arrested for Aggravated Assault
St. Joseph Man in Custody for Atchison Car Burglaries and Chase