Politicians bemoan shutdown of churches

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Gloucester County Freeholder-Director Stephen M. Sweeney said he hopes church leaders will present some sort of plan to local government officials about the future uses of the five church properties that will close and potentially be sold.

"The disturbing thing is Gloucester County is the first or second fastest growing county in the state and the diocese is decreasing services here," Sweeney said. "We've been fighting them for years to get a Catholic high school here. Closing churches is not sending the right message."

In Deptford, two churches -- St. John Vianney and Most Holy Redeemer  -- are scheduled to merge with out-of-town parishes.

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