St. Adalbert’s Church on Market Street in the Glen Lyon section of Newport Township.
                                 File Photo

St. Adalbert’s Church on Market Street in the Glen Lyon section of Newport Township.

File Photo

The Diocese cites financial challenges as the primary cause

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St. Adalbert’s Church in the Glen Lyon section of Newport Township is set to close permanently on Jan. 11, 2026 due to “significant diminishment in Mass attendance and financial challenges,” The Diocese of Scranton announced.

In a letter circulated to parishioners of Holy Spirit Parish this weekend, the Rev. Joseph Bambera said the financial burden of the maintaining the site can no longer be sustained.

“I understand this announcement will be a day of sadness for many, especially those who have prayed, celebrated Sacraments, and grieved the loss of loved ones within our walls,” the letter read. “In making this difficult decision, I must acknowledge the many faithful of Glen Lyon who have already been through previous consolidations and remained committed and faithful to the Church. Please know that I share your sorrow and honor the generations of faith and devotion nurtured there.”

With the closure of St. Adalbert’s Church, Holy Spirit Parish, which also includes St. Mary Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Mocanaqua and St. Martha’s Church in Stillwater, will no longer operate as an independent parish.

According to the letter, St. Mary’s Church and St. Martha’s Church will continue to service in connection with other neighboring parish communities, with Saint Mary’s becoming a part of the St. Faustina Kowalska Parish in Nanticoke and St. Martha’s being absorbed by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Hunlock Creek.

Because of the restructuring, Bambera said it was necessary to end a partnership between St. Faustina Kowalska Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.

Bambera said that would mean that each parish will have a pastor assigned to and living at each one.

The Diocese plans to release information regarding the statistics and factors that led to this restructuring in the coming weeks, according to the letter.

It will also offer a listening session to support parishioners amid the change.

“May we remain a united flock, listening to the voice of the Good Shepard, and walking forward in faith, together,” Bambera wrote.

The Diocese of Scranton began working with Pastoral and Finance Council at Holy Spirit Parish in August 2023, regarding its financial challenges, Mass attendance, religious education enrollment and church maintenance needs.

These conversations were part of a larger process the Diocese has undertaken in the last five years called the Vision 2030 Pastoral Planning, which, according to the letter, has the goal of, “looking proactively at the realities of our local church in the present moment” and “strives to meet the opportunities and challenges of the coming decade in order to create vibrant expressions of parish life rooted in the life of Jesus Christ.”

Holy Spirit Parish was established in August of 2010 as part of a previous restructuring plan by the Diocese of Scranton.

St. Adalbert’s Church celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2014.