SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— It's getting near the end of an era in the Electric City. The final Holy Week observation for a church that's been an inspiration to the faithful for so many decades.
Scranton's Nativity of Our Lord Church saw its pews full of people for Holy Thursday mass.
They were there to celebrate the last super and the final Holy Week celebration at the parish before it closes its doors in a few months.
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Holy Thursday hymns rang out through the nativity of our lord church during night one of the Easter Triduum.
The remembrance at the holy mass brought on reflection, worship and a mix of emotion.
"I'm trying to look at every single one of the lasts as both joyful and very sad," commented Katie Kearney, parishioner, choir member.
Decades long parishioner and choir member Katie Kearney recognizes this Holy Week observation at her parish is extra special.
Holy Thursday signifies the day Christians believe Jesus Christ shared supper with his disciples, before being crucified on the cross on Good Friday.
It is the last time the more than a century old church will observe the Holy Week.
It closes its doors for good in June.
"To have a final Easter celebration here together. It's a beautiful place it's sad to see it go but we'll send her off right," said Father Jonathan Kuhar, Nativity of Our Lord Church.
Father Kuhar has led the city's South Side church his entire priesthood of five years.
He says Thursday's mass was one of the most packed he's ever seen.
Kristen Haefele and her mom were among those to attend and have come every Friday during the Lenten season.
It's the people, prayer and presence they feel most connected to.
"I like it. It's a nice atmosphere. I'm actually a eucharistic minister. I love it a lot," voiced Haefele.
Performing what Christians consider a sacred ritual, Father Kuhar washed the feet of twelve parishioners at Holy Thursday's mass.
The church's chapter may be coming to a close but these parishioner's willingness to serve one another will never end.
But for now, it's about cherishing every moment.
"It's a building closing not the religion. I try to take in every moment extra and take in every view. It's really nice to see that and walk around the church and take it all in," expressed Kearney.
Operations will turn to the other worship site, Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary Church on Prospect Avenue.
The final mass at Nativity of Our Lord Church is June 8th at 1:00 p.m.
