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The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown will ban funeral calling hours in its churches starting December 1.

Bishop David Bonnar stated churches are sacred spaces for worship, not funeral visitations.

The new policy aims to create consistency across the diocese's six counties.

Post-funeral receptions and lunches will still be allowed in parish social halls.

YOUNGSTOWN − The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown will prohibit calling hours on church properties beginning Dec. 1, with Bishop David Bonnar saying churches are "sacred buildings intended for divine worship and not to serve as spaces for funeral visitations."

The bishop met with funeral directors, the Diocesan Presbyteral Council and county deans over the past year in hopes of establishing a uniform policy for funer

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