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 the community gathers to hear the Word of God, to pray together, receive the sacraments and to celebrate the Eucharist. ... Churches are sacred buildings intended for divine worship, and not to serve as spaces for funeral visitations," Bonnar said.

According to the release, there has been an increase in families requesting to hold funeral services for their loved ones in a church. This trend can be attributed to seveal factors like convenience, cuttings costs and making it easier for loved ones to attend all parts of the funeral rites.

Bishop Bonnar added that he understands this decision will cause distress for some, but it is "his responsibility as Diocesan Bishop to avoid any semblance of disconnect between a trend and the parameters established by the Order of the Christian Funerals."