Bishop Closes Saint Peter Church in Utica
The church located on Coventry Avenue will no longer be used for worship and is slated for sale.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Catholicism
The Bishop of Syracuse has issued an official decree closing Saint Peter church in Utica. The property at 422 Coventry Ave. will no longer be utilized for religious services.
Why it matters
The decision marks a significant change for the Holy Cross parish, which also includes St. Mark church. This closure transitions the church site out of active ecclesiastical use and toward a future sale.
Saint Peter church is situated at 422 Coventry Ave., while the remaining parish site of St. Mark is located at 440 Keyes Road.
The players
Bishop of Syracuse
The religious leader overseeing the diocese and responsible for the administrative decision to close the parish.
The details
The Bishop of Syracuse formally notified parishioners of the closure via a letter and decree. The property is expected to be sold following its decommissioning as a site for worship.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: The Bishop notified parishioners of the church closure.
Culture Shift
This closure reflects the broader, ongoing trend of Catholic parish consolidations necessitated by shifting demographics and resources. It underscores the transition many urban dioceses face as they reconfigure their physical footprints to align with current attendance patterns.
Parishioners will no longer be able to worship at the Coventry Avenue location. Community members should anticipate the property being listed for sale in the near future.
The takeaway
The closure of Saint Peter church highlights the shifting landscape for religious organizations in Utica. Residents should stay informed through official diocesan communications regarding future access to services at the remaining St. Mark location.
Further reading
For more on how local religious institutions are changing, see the latest coverage on Catholicism.
