KULPMONT July 1, 2015
- This week marks 20 years since 20 Catholic parishes in the Shamokin and Mount Carmel areas were merged into five.
A special Mass to mark the occasion was held Sunday at Holy Angels Church, formerly known as St. Mary's.
"In 1995, three became one," the Rev. Andrew Stahmer said during his homily, referencing the merging of St. Mary's, Kulpmont's St. Casimir and Our Lady of Perpetual Hope in Marion Heights. "It sounds like the Holy Trinity."
An estimated 100 parishioners attended Mass, all with roots in Holy Angels' three predecessors.
Dolores Mirarchi, of Kulpmont, sat in a pew some 20 minutes before Mass. Her godmother, Pauline Mirarchi, sat on her left clutching a rosary. Both were once members of St. Mary's.
"We're happy that we're able to be together 20 years and seem to be in harmony," Dolores Mirarchi said.
"You have to adjust," added Pauline Mirarchi.
Nicholas Dattilo, former bishop of the Harrisburg Diocese, revealed the reconstruction plan in fall 1994. The purpose, he said, was "to renew life of the church." Declining attendance and long-term financial concerns were driving factors. On July 1 the following year the merger was complete..
Joette Foris is the coordinator of religious education at Holy Angels. She's also a musician, performing guitar at the anniversary Mass. It took "quite a while" for her to embrace the change.
"It was painful, however, you embrace your new parish and move on," she said.
Mary Kay Bartol, parish secretary and organist, finished leading a hymn minutes before the start of Mass when she said, "I think it's one of the best things to happen to the community, to be honest."
Consolidation moved more bodies into a single house of worship. More people prayed together. More people volunteered together.
"We got to know each other. We all live in the same area but we really didn't know each other. Now we're one big happy family," she said.
Father Stahmer is now in his 10th year at Holy Angels, another anniversary celebrated Sunday. He urged the congregation to keep the parish strong.
"Build on that foundation that the Lord gave to us," he said. "This is your church. This is where God is present for you. Keep it strong."