Parishioners Pack St. John Vianney Church For Final Mass

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – It had become quite rare to have a packed sanctuary at St. John Vianney in Allentown.

However, it was standing room only Sunday for what might be the final Mass.

For many, there were so many memories in the church.

"Making my first Holy Communion here. It was one of our sacraments. That is very important to us," Bobby Bland said.

Dwindling numbers and financial shortfalls caused the Pittsburgh diocese to close the parish on Sunday. The only chance for the decision to be overturned is if the Vatican steps in.

During Mass, men and women were not ashamed to cry.

"We just loved it. And I lost my husband so -- in January -- and he always served here so it brought a lot of heartache to me," Elaine Terreri said.

The final service gave parishioners an opportunity to kiss the altar as a final farewell to their beloved church home.

"This is a way that we say hello and goodbye as God's people," Rev. Michael J. Stumpf said.

"It's bittersweet. It's where my roots are, and it's part of history that's going to go away," Bland said.

As they processed for the final time, the church family was reminded that some special items will be kept -- among them, the processional cross, candle, oils and baptismal register – as a way to guarantee St. John Vianney will never be forgotten.

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