After shutting down school, Philly Archdiocese to close Ascension of Our Lord parish

Ascension of Our Lord parish has reached the end of its days.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has announced the parish at 725 E. Westmoreland St. will close, effective Oct. 1. The Catholic school closed for good in June 2011.

“Due to serious issues with the physical condition of the Ascension of Our Lord church building, it had not been utilized for quite some time,” the diocese’s announcement reads. “Masses were being celebrated in the parish rectory and the former school building due to safety issues with the church building and low Mass attendance. The church will not be maintained as a worship site due to lack of funds for needed physical improvements, which are estimated to cost at least $3 million.”

Archbishop Charles Chaput approved the Archdiocesan Strategic Planning Committee’s decision to close the parish following a months-long study. Between 2007 and 2001, the parish performed 10 fewer baptisms, two fewer weddings and had 200 fewer people at weekend masses. More parish announcements will come next spring.

Ascension parishoners can go to nearby Holy Innocents parish in Juniata and Visitation B.V.M. parish in Kensington.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story indicated the school closed in June 2012.