2 shuttered churches in Cleveland reopen

7/21/2012
BLADE STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES

CLEVELAND -- Two of the 11 local Roman Catholic churches closed but later spared by the Vatican are back in operation, and reopening dates are set for all but two of the remaining facilities.

Three churches are to reopen this weekend. Four more are to reopen between July 25 and Aug. 12.

The churches were among 50 closed or merged by the Diocese of Cleveland because of declining congregations, finances, and priests. The Vatican sided with parishioners who appealed and said the closings weren't done properly.