Katie Kocijanski is reporting in The Daily Mail St. Patrick’s Church parishioners came together at the Washington Irving Senior Center on Mon., Jun. 13, in an effort to save the church from being permanently closed. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany confirmed last month the Catskill church would be permanently closed. The 131-year-old historic building is in poor structural condition, and has been shuttered for the past eight years. Parishioners intend to present a letter and petition to Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger this weekend. In the letter parishioners ask the bishop for the opportunity to speak with him about the issues and concerns surrounding the closing of the church. “We are hurt, upset and concerned that our church is closing,” said church member Debi Johnson. Among the ideas discussed by the group: The formation a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to raise funds and control disbursal of the funds in an effort to reopen the church. In addition to the bishop, copies of the letter will be sent to other church officials, including Pope Francis. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.