La Motte Man Couldn't Bear to See Church Close

Tools

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Nov 30, 2009 at 11:09 AM CST

Story Updated: Nov 30, 2009 at 11:09 AM CST

LA MOTTE (AP) - As aging congregations and financial troubles force churches across Iowa to close, some parishioners are taking matters into their own hands.

In La Motte, Steve Steines couldn't bear to watch Holy Rosary Catholic Church close three years ago. He was married there, and his children were baptized there.

So he bought the building.

Three years later, he says the place still smells like incense. But despite occasional rentals for events, Steines says owning the building is becoming a drain.

He says he would give it back to the archdiocese for free if they'd reopen it. He says the town lost part of its soul when the church closed.

In Dubuque, parishioners at St. Mary Catholic Church are bracing for closure next year after 150 years.

Next Article Dubuque Group Pushes Prayer at Council Meetings

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.