MONONGAHELA (KDKA) — Their church has been closed for months, but former parishioners have come up with an unusual plan to reopen it.

The Society for the Preservation of St. Anthony’s held a candlelight prayer vigil outside the church in Monongahela.

The church in Monongahela has been closed since spring when it merged with St. Damien’s about seven blocks away.

“Here they are,” Laura Magone said. “I mean, these are the people that can afford to pay for this building. They just want the privilege of having mass here again – that’s all that this is about.”

“If a church is viable and the people are willing to keep up the church and provide everything that you need in order to have a good environment then I don’t think they should be closed,” Angelo Ripepi said.

Four of the committee members at Tuesday night’s vigil have a private meeting scheduled with the bishop on Thursday.

They don’t know the agenda of the meeting, but are hoping it’s a good sign.

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