WOONSOCKET, R.I. (AP) - The first Roman Catholic church in Woonsocket, Rhode Island has been granted permission to close by the Diocese of Providence.
The Diocese says Bishop Thomas Tobin granted the request by St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and sends his prayerful support to members of the parish.
Officials say attendance dropped from 230 people in 2012 to 90 for weekend Masses.
The diocese estimates that the building also needs more than $570,000 in repairs for a new roof, a renovated heating system and new stained-glass windows.
The last Masses are scheduled for Jan. 11 and 12.
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