(WKBN) –The Diocese of Youngstown announced the merger of three parishes in Columbiana County.

Saint Jude, Our Lady of Lourdes in East Palestine and Saint Patrick in Leetonia are merging effective Jan. 1. A new name has not yet been decided.

In November, a petition from three pastors and financial councils was submitted to the Diocesan Presbyteral Council requesting the merger, unifying them into a vibrant place of worship.

The petition mentioned the known shortage of priests within the Diocese, paired with the declining number of parishioners at weekend masses. The Council unanimously recommended the merger to Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown.

Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Patrick will be used for Feast Day celebrations and date of Dedication, Baptisms, Marriages and Masses of Christian Burial, as well as one weekday mass at each location.

Reverand Chad Johnson has been appointed pastor and Deacon Christopher Evans and Deacon Lawrence Pasko will serve as deacons.