Churches closing in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester Counties

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has announced three local churches will close next month.

They are Mater Dolorosa Church in Frankford, St. Cecila Church in Coatesville, and St. John of the Cross Church in Roslyn. All are set to close on Sept. 16.

All the churches' congregations have already merged with nearby churches.

The Archdiocese says the cost to maintain the buildings is one of the reasons they're closing. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput made the final decisions.

Click here for details and background on the churches, and click here for a copy of the official canonical decrees regarding this matter.