Decade after merger, Diocese closing worship site in Girardville
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - The St. Vincent de Paul worship site in Girardville, seen on Dec. 13, 2025.
GIRARDVILLE – Just over ten years after the Diocese of Allentown merged the Catholic parishes in Ashland, Gordon, and Girardville, the worship center in the latter community is closing.
Saint Vincent de Paul Church was retained as a worship site when the Catholic parishes in Ashland, Girardville, and Gordon merged to create St. Charles Borromeo in 2015. The merger came via a decree from the Diocese of Allentown, following a trend in our area which saw a similar fate for parishes in Shenandoah and Mahanoy City.
The worship site will close in January, the Diocese confirmed in a statement to the Sentinel, citing “financial and structural challenges.”
The 1925 building at 2nd and C Streets requires $20,000 a year to operate and needs about “$250,000 needed for exterior repairs, along with unsafe interior conditions and aging roofs,” the Diocese said.
“Regular weekend Masses ended in 2021, and the Church has seen very limited use since then,” the Diocese said in a statement. “All liturgies previously held at the site can be accommodated at the main church in Ashland. Both the Finance and Pastoral Councils of St. Charles Borromeo Parish voted to support closure of the Church.”
“The Diocese recognizes the emotional significance of Saint Vincent de Paul Church for the Girardville community and is grateful for all who worshipped and celebrated the Sacraments there,” they continued. “The Diocese remains committed to serving the faithful of Schuylkill County and strengthening its support to the community during this time of transition.”
St. Vincent de Paul Parish was of Lithuanian heritage and began in 1906, when church members purchased the former Armory, renovating it into a church.
That building was demolished to make way for the current building on the same site in 1923. It was consecrated in November 1925.
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