The two Catholic congregations in Jim Thorpe will come together as one when St. Joseph Parish is consolidated into Immaculate Conception Parish.
Both church buildings will remain open and will use the existing Mass schedule. Father James Ward, now pastor of both parishes, will remain as pastor.
Operating the two parishes as one will benefit the newly combined congregation by providing the parish with the potential for reduced operating costs and more efficient operations through better use of resources.
The consolidation recommendation of Father Ward was reviewed by the Diocesan Council of Priests and the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Commission, which likewise recommended the action to Bishop Alfred Schlert.
The consolidation is effective July 1. Parishioners were notified at Masses this weekend. (June 20-21.)