Churches Closing In Streator

Consolidating of catholic churches in Streator has started.

Reverend Monsignor John Prendergast sent a letter out to catholic parishioners Thursday saying that as of July 1^st, St. Michael the Archangel Parish of Streator was established with Prendergast as pastor of the new parish.

Prendergast says the new parish is the initial phase of implementing the consolidation plan approved by Bishop Jenky.  By establishing the new St. Michael parish, Prendergast says they can establish parish council’s and committees and do administrative moves like opening checking accounts and applying for a Tax Identification Number.

The second phase of the consolidation will happen on September 29^th when Immaculate Conception, St. Anthony’s, St. Stephen’s and St. Casimir will cease to exist.  Only the St. Michael Parish will remain.  Prendergast says St. Stephen’s will remain as the sole worship center for the parish until a new church is built.

Church officials say a feasibility study into a new church will start in the fall with the idea being that it’ll be at least two years before a new church is built.