Closed Catholic churches begin to reopen | News

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO)- Catholics from a dozen northeast Ohio churches got what they'd been praying for when Rome announced, back in Mach, that their churches must be reopened.

The long, difficult and unprecedented process of reopening those churches began Wednesday after a two year fight.

The Diocese and parishioners of closed churches have to work together to make this a reality. 

"Because it hasn't been done anywhere else, we will work through the process together," said Phillis Fuller Clipps of St. Adalbert parish.

Bishop Richard Lennon called reps from St. Adalbert and St. James to the Diocese office for the first of several meetings -- before the doors of their beloved churches can open again.

"Up to this point we hadn't had a chance to sit down and talk to the Bishop. Now we do and that's hopeful," said Darlene Hood of St. James.

The Diocese has questions of its own. "There's still the challenges in place that caused the closing in the first place.  That might mean, are you going to have enough active membership?  Can you get enough active membership," said Bob Tayek.

Diocese Rep. Bob Tayek also assured core parishioners that all artifacts would be returning to the churches too. He said that after two years of hard feelings, they were encouraged by the Bishop's demeanor. 

Thursday Saint Emeric will have its turn to talk with the Bishop.

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