Our Lady of the Valley

Our Lady of the Valley was established on November 1, 1992, as part of the diocese's reorganization and revitalization project.  The parish was formed by merging the four existing parishes in Donora:  St. Dominic, St. Philip Neri, St. Charles and Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Of the four churches, two -- St. Dominic and St. Philip Neri -- remained open and continued to serve the new parish.  The other two churches were closed pending sale of the property.

However, the population in the Mon Valley continued to decline.  By the early 21st century, it became obvious that the area could no longer support the number of parishes and churches then in existence.  In October 0f 2007, the parishes in Monongahela, Charleroi and Donora took part in a two year study to look at the future of the Church in the region.  The study considered the demographics, spiritual needs, financial stability and an assessment of the parish buildings in the three communities.  The study developed several recommendations, including the recommendation that St. Dominic Church be closed.  The bishop accepted this recommendation and on August 15, 2011 St. Dominic Church closed and St. Philip Neri was renamed Our Lady of the Valley church.