Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Weatherly will be consolidated into All Saints Parish in McAdoo under a pastoral plan announced in both parishes at Masses this weekend.

Mass will continue to be celebrated at the Weatherly church.The plan, to go into effect July 1, was devised by the Diocese of Allentown's Pastoral Planning Commission.It calls for combining the administration of the two parishes, which will be more efficient.Duplication of parish services, which now exists, can be eliminated and the physical plants of both parishes can be used in a more effective manner.The plan also takes into account the declining number of priests available for parish ministry.The Rev. Floyd Caesar, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes since its creation in 2008, is retiring as of July 1.Monsignor William Baker, pastor of All Saints since June 2012, will be pastor of the consolidated parish.The plan, which calls for a re-examination of the use of Our Lady of Lourdes as a worship site in two years, was reviewed and recommended by the Diocesan Council of Priests and accepted by Diocese of Allentown Bishop John Barres.In his letter to the parishes, Barres wrote both had "heroically and successfully responded to changes in the Catholic life of Northern Carbon and Schuylkill Counties and the new challenges and opportunities that these changes presented."He told parishioners, "As you have supported the Church with your prayers, know that now I … will also support you with (my) prayers."