St. Januarius Catholic Church in Plum is closing next month.
The final day for the church along Renton Road that is part of Holy Family Parish is set for Sept. 23, according to a decree from Bishop David Zubik posted Sunday on the parish website.
“The age and physical condition and maintenance of parish-owned buildings, including church buildings, is beyond the ability of the parish to afford,” the decree read. It is estimated it will cost $236,000 for a roof, boiler and gas line, which the diocese said “exceeds the parish’s ability to afford.”
The decision was made after two parish assemblies in June on possible closure of the church. A pastor submitted a petition recommending the move July 25, according to the decree.
St. Januarius is “not needed by Holy Family Parish” and “the care of souls will not be impacted” as its members worship at other parish churches, the diocese said.
Other churches in the parish are St. Irenaeus in Oakmont, St. Joseph in Verona and Our Lady of Joy and St. John the Baptist in Plum.
Parish officials reached via phone and at St. John the Baptist referred questions to the diocese communications department, which did not provide further information at presstime.
St. Januarius was established in 1925. The cornerstone of the church was laid on March 23, 1952, and the first Mass at the church took place in November of that year. It was formally dedicated in October 1960. It merged with Holy Family Parish in July 2020.
Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com.