Since it was founded in 2014, St. John XXIII Parish in Tamaqua has been one parish with two churches. Masses are split between the former St. Jerome’s and SS. Peter and Paul churches.

But due to aging facilities, the church’s priest is proposing to move services under one, refurbished roof.At Mass on Easter Sunday, the Rev. John Frink announced that the church will ask the Allentown Diocese for permission to hold all Masses at the former SS. Peter and Paul Church, located on Pine Street, in an effort to better accommodate the congregation.“By having one church we can better focus on our purpose as a parish, and that is to bring all people into a relationship with Jesus Christ, to love God, love neighbors and make disciples,” Frink said.St. John’s would be renamed St. Jerome’s chapel, and would be used for weddings, funerals and masses.Frink said that he met with numerous church members, as well as the parish committee and finance committee before announcing the proposal. He listed several challenges that guided the plan.One big issue is parking for services. Frink said that there is limited parking at the churches which leads some members to arrive early and forces others to double park.“That tends to lead to frustration and bickering in the parking lot, and somehow I’m thinking that just doesn’t make sense for a parish Christian community, but I know it happens,” he said.The church also needs more room for its youth programs, as well as a space for parishioners to meet over coffee after the service. Frink said that the space at St. Jerome’s is not sufficient.“Wouldn’t it be wonderful for parents to have a place to enjoy Mass where they could also take care of their children?” he said.The cost to reconfigure SS. Peter and Paul will not be more than $750,000, Frink said.He said the church looked at renovating St. John’s, but the cost was prohibitive at more than $2 million.Frink said that details about the project will be revealed, as well as plans to raise the money.“I propose this after consultation and prayer, but I’m not making the decision, you are. This is an opportunity for you to take ownership of your parish,” he said.