While three Catholic churches in Kankakee are merging under the name St. John Paul II, no decision has been made as to which churches might close for good, or even how the diocese might use those buildings.

No decisions, yet, says the Rev. Santos "Sunny" Castillo.

Responding to rumors and mis-information, Castillo Tuesday was busy with damage control.

"From what I have heard, the people speaking on Facebook don't go to our churches," Castillo said. "The rumors they are spreading on Facebook are a disservice to the cause we are trying to serve here in Kankakee."

Those rumors revolve around whether St. Rose of Lima or St. Teresa will close. However, Castillo said the parish council has not been talking about closing one of those two churches or St. Martin of Tours.

Castillo said the parish council is looking at ways to utilize all three church buildings. By July 1, the parish will know which church will host services.

During a meeting with parishioners held April 21, Castillo presented two proposals.

One proposal suggested making St. Rose the main church and St. Martin a satellite site, while closing St. Teresa. The other suggested making St. Martin the main church and St. Teresa a satellite site, while closing St. Rose.

"We still have to find out how to best develop the life of our new parish," Castillo said. "There has been no mention of any church closing at this time. Those were just proposals. We feel we have time to make a decision on how to use the buildings we have."

94.1 WGFA