Sacred Heart Church in Neffs and St. John Vianney in Powhatan are being shuttered, according to the Diocese of Steubenville, as part of a diocesan plan.

Members say they are heartbroken, and many say those churches are vital, still drawing many loyal members to mass every week.

The Diocese of Steubenville said in a news release that the closure is part of a plan drawn up in 2009.

Others say they believe it’s due to a shortage of priests.

They say they don’t blame their priest. They say they know he’s being “worn thin” by serving two parishes.