Decree regarding Pomeroy St. Mary

Canon 1212: Sacred places lose their dedication or blessing if they have been destroyed in large part, or have been turned over permanently to profane use by decree of the competent ordinary or in fact.  

Canon 1222 §1: If a church cannot be used in any way for divine worship and there is no possibility of repairing it, the diocesan bishop can relegate it to profane but not sordid use. 
§2. Where other grave causes suggest that a church no longer be used for divine worship, the diocesan bishop, after having heard the presbyteral council, can relegate it to profane but not sordid use, with the consent of those who legitimately claim rights for themselves in the church and provided that the good of souls suffers no detriment thereby. 

The upkeep of Saint Mary Church in Pomeroy has become an objectively unsustainable financial burden for the Parish of Our Lady of the Plains. The building's age and condition require significant repairs and code updates beyond the parish's means, and its minimal use for liturgical purposes does not justify those expenses. The limited number of parishioners in Pomeroy and their integration into the life of the parish at Lake City make it impossible for the parish to maintain the church as a place of divine worship without seriously jeopardizing its stable patrimony. 

The pastor has repeatedly had to divert funds from essential pastoral and catechetical ministries, insurance, and utility costs simply to keep the building minimally functional. This diversion has become incompatible with the parish's evangelical mission and constitutes a grave cause under canon 1222 §2, as the obligation to sustain the building threatens the financial and pastoral vitality of the entire parish community. 

The faithful formerly attached to Saint Mary now receive full sacramental and pastoral care at Our Lady of the Plains in Lake City, ensuring that the good of souls will not suffer detriment through this relegation. 

Wherefore:
1.    Having carefully considered the law and the facts; and
2.    Having heard the Presbyteral Council on July 31 and September 19, 2025; and
3.    Having received a request from the Pastor of Our Lady of the Plains, Lake City, in whose territory the aforesaid property is now situated; and
4.    Having ensured that its altar, sacred objects and religious artifacts are being removed; and
5.    Having ensured that the good of souls will suffer no detriment thereby, that is, the spiritual and pastoral good of the former parishioners of Saint Mary is now being provided by the Parish of Our Lady of the Plains, Lake City;

I, the undersigned Bishop of Sioux City, do hereby pronounce, declare, and decree that the church of Saint Mary, located at 306 S Geneva Street, Pomeroy, IA, is no longer a sacred place for divine worship. It has herewith lost its blessing, dedication, and consecration. It can no longer be used for divine worship. It is hereto relegated to profane but not sordid use. (c. 1222 §2). 

This decree is to be communicated to the pastor of Our Lady of the Plains, who is the canonical representative of the parish, according to the norm of law. (c. 532). It may be challenged within the peremptory time limit of ten days from the legitimate notification of the decree and in accordance with the norm of law. (c. 1734 §2). 

Given at the Seat of the Diocese of Sioux City on 30 October 2025.
Most Reverend John E. Keehner
Bishop of Sioux City
Deacon Mark Prosser
Chancellor