Final Mass set at Ellsworth church

A final Mass will be celebrated at a Roman Catholic church in Ellsworth in September.

St. Clement Church on Main Street will close its doors on Sept. 30. The final Mass at the 220-seat capacity will be celebrated at 2 p.m.

As part of a 1994 restructuring of parishes in the Pittsburgh Diocese, the church, along with St. Joseph Church in Cokeburg, combined with St. Luke Church in Bentleyville to form Ave Maria Parish in Bentleyville/Ellsworth. St. Joseph was closed as part of the reorganization.

St. Clement Parish was organized in 1912.

The Rev. Pierre Falkenhan, pastor of Ave Maria Parish, said Bishop Donald Wuerl accepted the parish's petition to close St. Clement. He said the move is supported by the parish's pastoral council, finance council and parishioners as indicated in a recent survey.

'Our analysis show we were spending time and resources to maintain the buildings while losing opportunities to revitalize our faith community through spiritual and social activities,' said Father Falkenhan, following several months of study. 'By making this decision we will free up some resources for improved worship, youth activities, parish social activities, adult education and still be able to do needed building maintenance.'

Father Falkenhan said attendance at the combined parishes has declined over the past few years.

Some of the savings as a result of maintaining one church building are being directed to renovations of the St. Luke Church complex.

Renovation work began this month on the complex, including, painting, plastering, wiring, new carpeting and a new parking lot. The refurbishing is expected to be completed in September.

'We also will begin restoration of window frames and installation of new storm windows in preparation for moving windows from St. Clement Church to the St. Luke Church building,' said Father Falkenhan. 'We are using the treasures of the parish as part of our continuing revitalization. The window project is expected to take about 18 months.'

The pastor said there are no immediate plans for the St. Clement Church building.