Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Centralia, PA, is one of the last remaining structures in the abandoned town. Known for its well-maintained architecture and spiritual heritage, the church serves a small Ukrainian Catholic community. Services are held on Sundays at 10:30 AM.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Centralia, Pennsylvania, is a historic place of worship and one of the few remaining buildings in the largely abandoned town of Centralia. The church is part of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, a broader ecclesiastical community rooted in the Eastern Catholic tradition of the Catholic Church.

The church is known for its well-maintained exterior and its role in preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Ukrainian Catholic faith. The parish is led by Rev. Paul Spotts, who can be contacted at centralia@ukrcatholic.org or by phone at 570-339-0650. Services are held on Sundays at 10:30 AM, with confession times before all liturgies.

The church sits on a hill overlooking the remnants of Centralia, which was largely destroyed by a coal mine fire in the 1960s. The surrounding area is now largely overgrown and uninhabited, with the church and cemetery being among the few visible structures. While the church is open to the public from the roadway, visitors are discouraged from entering the property due to posted no-trespassing signs.

The church is also connected to broader initiatives within the Archeparchy, including social outreach and support for Ukrainian communities affected by the war in Ukraine. For more information about the Archeparchy and its ministries, visit ukrcatholic.org.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Centralia, PA, stands as a well-preserved spiritual landmark amid the abandoned town. The church maintains its architectural integrity and serves a small but dedicated Ukrainian Catholic community. First-time visitors will notice its quiet dignity and clear Sunday worship schedule at 10:30 AM, with confession times before services.

Pros

• Maintains well-preserved architecture and spiritual heritage
• Clear Sunday worship schedule at 10:30 AM with confession times before services
• Connected to broader Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy initiatives
• Includes cemetery and parking facilities for visitors
• Serves as a cultural and historical site in a unique setting

Cons

• Limited access to church grounds due to posted no-trespassing signs
• Thin website presence with minimal details about newcomer welcome or community programs
• Services are infrequent with only one Sunday liturgy time listed
• Remote location in largely uninhabited Centralia area
• No clear guidance for families or children in worship programming