LOCAL GROUP MOVES TO BUY BETHLEHEM CHURCH

St. Joseph’s, a Catholic church in south Bethlehem closed by the Diocese of Allentown 16 years ago, is being sold to the Society of St. Joseph of Bethlehem, a nonprofit group created by former parishioners.

“Our vision is to maintain the religious identity and use of St. Joseph’s Church as a sacred place of worship, honor its heritage, and preserve it as an example of the role immigrants and ethnic churches played in our city’s history,” the nonprofit said in a post on its Facebook page.

Information on the price of the sale was unavailable as of Friday. Diocese spokesperson Lina Tavarez said the sale is expected to be complete this week. She said more information will be provided once it is done.