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YOUNGSTOWN – The Diocese of Youngstown has approved proposals to close Our Lady of Lourdes Church in East Palestine and St. Patrick Church in Leetonia.
Changing demographics, fewer priests, aging buildings and financial challenges have impacted each parish's means for mission.
On Nov. 29, 2025, The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, announced the merger of St. Jude, Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Patrick parishes in the Columbiana County Deanery. The community formed Saint Carlo Acutis Parish.
However, over the last year, Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Patrick did not celebrate regular Mass times and had previously been designated as secondary worship sites for special Masses and baptisms.
On the closures, Bishop David J. Bonnar said, "I deeply understand that this news brings a sense of loss and grief. But the unified community of Saint Carlo Acutis will allow the parish to pool its resources, strengthen its ministries and focus its energy on dynamic evangelization, faith formation and service to those in need."
A final Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes will be celebrated on Monday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. and a final Mass at St. Patrick will be celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m.