Time is running out for two Catholic parishes in the Panther Valley, but members have vowed to fight until the end to keep them open.

Lansford's St. Katharine Drexel, and Nesquehoning's St. Francis of Assisi are both set to close their doors for good at midnight on June 30. They are slated to be consolidated into the St. Joseph's Parish in Summit Hill.Roman Catholics from the Panther Valley are exploring all avenues available to delay the closure of two church buildings that have been landmarks in the Panther Valley for a century, as well as the area's last Catholic primary school.Both parishes are working with an attorney who specializes in canon law, the internal regulations of the Catholic church."We want to work with the bishop, be part of the solution, keep the Roman Catholic church in the Panther Valley, keep the school in the valley," organizer Steve Behun said.Parishioners at St. Katharine Drexel recently wrote two letters to the bishop of the Allentown Diocese asking him to rescind two decrees that will eliminate the parish and officially close its building.The bishop has 30 days to respond to the request, meaning a response could come after June 30.If the bishop denies the request, members are prepared to appeal their case to the Vatican."Even if he puts the lock on the door, we can still complete the appeal process," he said. "We're hoping the bishop says, 'I decided to undo the decree.'"They got copies of the decrees, which were issued April 22, after sending multiple letters to the diocese.Parishioners at St. Francis have not had as much success getting a hold of the decree outlining why their church is closing.Behun said that members are now sending certified letters to the diocese with their request.The group is also fighting for the Our Lady of the Angels School in Lansford. However, the diocese does not need a decree to close the school.Behun said keeping the school open will depend on whether they have success keeping St. Katharine Drexel open, because they share a building.Members of both parishes are praying and trying to create awareness for their situation. They have started a campaign called "Fast 30," asking not only Catholics but all Christians in the coal region to join in 30 days of fasting and prayer. The length of time was chosen to symbolize the amount of time that the bishop has to respond to their appeal."Basically, pray for the bishop, have the lord change his heart, have him reverse the decrees, open St. Katharine and St. Francis," Behun said.