The Diocese of Youngstown has issued a decree that calling hours before funerals can no longer take place inside a church building, effective Dec. 1.

More families are requesting funeral visitation for loved ones at church rather than at funeral homes. Bishop David Bonnar said the increasing trend can be attributed to several factors, including convenience, cutting cost and making it easier for family and friends to attend all parts of the funeral rites.

Over the past year, Bonnar has met with funeral directors, the Diocesan Presbyteral Council and county deans, in hopes of establishing a uniform policy for funeral visitations.

Ultimately, with their unanimous support, it has been decided that funeral visitation will no longer be allowed in a church building or church facility.

Officia

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