Parishioners: 'Our prayers have been answered' with reopening of 12 Cleveland-area churches

CLEVELAND - Parishioners of the 12 Roman Catholic churches in the Cleveland Catholic Diocese that are expected to reopen within the next year are rejoicing.

"The power of prayer," said Joanmarie Racette, a St. Patrick parishioner.

Racette has prayed the rosary nearly every day since the diocese announced that her beloved church would close. Tuesday, she said her prayers have been answered.

"This is not the old St. Patrick, this is a rebirth of the parish, a renewal," said Racette.

"It is a wonderful day for St. Casimir church and parish," said Tina Girod, who wrote the 27-page appeal to Rome. "This is almost like another resurrection, with our church, we have another chance to show the Catholic Diocese that we are a vibrant parish."

A sign outside of St. Wendelin celebrates the reopening of the church, and there's a ribbon outside of St. Patrick -- all signs that parishioners are celebrating their churches.

Patricia Schulte-Singleton is thrilled about the reopening of St Patrick but still has questions.

"When, how, the different details, we would like to know," said Schulte-Singleton.