Choconut Twp., PA (WBNG Binghamton) Parishioners are petitioning the Scranton Diocese to save their former church building.
Last July, the Diocese shut down Saint Joseph's Church off of State Route 4007.
Members were consolidated into Saint Brigid's church.
The building has a rich history and is next to a cemetery.
Parishioners met to talk about what they want to do with the building.
Right now the diocese is giving them the options of selling it or demolishing it.
Those at the meeting tonight say they hope a non-profit will take it over.
"The building, architecturally, is unique because of the area it's in. It's a brick structure. It's been around since the 1860's or 70's, and we want to maintain it as an architectural feature, as a physical landmark, as a religious landmark, and we want to come up with some type of use where the community can benefit from that and keep the building intact for historical as well as religious reasons," said Pat Flaherty from Choconut Township.
The diocese has already disapproved a plan to use the church as a worship facility for baptisms, weddings and funerals.
Parishioners are hopeful to draft a proposal within the next few weeks and have the diocese approve it.
They sent also their pleas to the top, emailing their plight to the Pope and the Vatican.
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