Additionally, St. James Church in North Jackson is relegated to profane but not sordid use
NEWS RELEASE
October 17, 2026
Contact: Dennis Biviano, PR & Media Specialist, (330) 744-8451, ext. 320; dbiviano@youngstowndiocese.org
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The Diocese of Youngstown has approved proposals to close Our Lady of Lourdes Church (East Palestine) and Saint Patrick Church (Leetonia). The decision was made after a period of prayerful reflection, data and financial analysis and consultation with the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of Youngstown and parish leadership. Changing demographics, fewer priests, aging buildings and financial challenges have impacted each parish’s means for mission.
On November 29, 2025, The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, announced the merger of Saint Jude, Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Patrick parishes in the Columbiana County Deanery. The community formed Saint Carlo Acutis Parish. However, over the last year, Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint 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 says, “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, November 9th at 6:00 p.m. and a final Mass at Saint Patrick will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 10th at 6:00 p.m. Parishioners are invited to attend these liturgies so that we may together give thanks to Almighty God for the countless blessings received in these sacred spaces.
Additionally, after prayerful reflection and consultation with pastoral and parish leadership along with Diocesan Presbyteral Council, Saint James Church (Our Lady of the Lakes Parish) in Lake Milton has been relegated to profane but not sordid use. Factors in this decision include lack of attendance, limited financial resources and maintenance needs for the building. In 2010, Our Lady of the Lakes Parish was formed by a collaboration between Saint Catherine Parish in Lake Milton and Saint James Parish in North Jackson.
Bishop Bonnar says, “Within the walls of Saint James Church, you have celebrated the milestones of your lives and your faith. It is where your children were baptized, where you said your final goodbye to loved ones, and where you were nourished by the sacraments. The bricks and mortar of a building may change but the Body of Christ cannot be broken.The memories you hold sacred remain alive in your hearts and the Lord walks with you into this new chapter.”
Although the Saint James Church site is closing, there will still be three Masses in that region. These include a Saturday Vigil Mass and a Sunday Morning Mass at Saint Catherine Church (Lake Milton) along with a Sunday Morning Mass at Saint Mary/Saint Joseph Church (Newton Falls). A final Mass at Saint James Church will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 11th at 6:00pm.
