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Archdiocese to Close St. Adalbert, 'Reconfigure' Pilsen Churches

By Bettina Chang | February 14, 2016 11:05am | Updated on February 14, 2016 11:07am
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Due to "extensive repairs needed," St. Adalbert Church, 1650 W. 17th St., will be closed, the Archdiocese announced.
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St. Adalbert

PILSEN — Six Catholic churches in the neighborhood will soon become three, as the Archdiocese of Chicago announced Sunday a series of moves meant to combine "the strengths, talents and traditions of our Pilsen parishes."

St. Adalbert, 1650 W. 17th St., will close "due to extensive repairs needed and associated high costs," according to a statement early Sunday. The church, built in 1914, has been raising money to repair its towers, windows and pipe organ. A GoFundMe page created to raise $3 million to restore its 185-foot-tall towers, which some considered unsafe, raised only $1,650 in nine months.

St. Adalbert officials could not immediately be reached for comment. The Archdiocese did not include details or timing of its closing.

In addition, St. Ann (1840 S. Leavitt St.) will become a "worship site" for St. Paul (2127 W. 22nd Pl.) and Providence of God (717 W. 18th St.) will do the same for St. Procopius (1640 S. Allport St.), the Archdiocese announced.

St. Ann and Providence of God will continue to offer Mass and other sacraments, the statement said, but they would become part of the other churches. The changes will take effect June 30.

The changes are a result of a "careful planning process to shape the future of the Church in Pilsen," the statement said, citing changing demographics, low Mass attendance and decline in number of priests for reasons for the reconfiguration.

The Archdiocese said, "Everyone involved with these changes realizes that they may be difficult, but see great value and opportunities for all parishioners in combining the strengths, talents and traditions of our Pilsen parishes."

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