YOUNGSTOWN The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has announced that it will no longer allow funeral visitations to be held in its churches and facilities effective December 1, 2025.

A press release from the Diocese says Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar met with funeral directors, the Diocesan Presbyteral Council and County Deans in hopes of establishing a uniform policy for funeral visitations.

Ultimately, it was unanimously decided that funeral visitations will no longer be allowed in church buildings or facilities starting in December.

The Diocese cited the "Order of Christian Funerals" as the deciding factor in this matter.

"That there should be a transfer to the church is a clear sign that the ritual does not envision a viewing in the church building. The church building is where t

See Full Page