NORWICH – Both of Norwich’s Catholic churches will remain open, church officials announced at services over the weekend.

St. Paul’s and St. Bartholomew’s will be “linked” for a “long-term” period of time, Father Douglas Cunningham confirmed Monday, meaning “both churches will remain open, separately incorporated, serving separate communities of faith, and sharing a single pastor.”

The two churches have already been linked under one priest for several years.

The county’s five other Catholic churches are still awaiting official word from the Diocese of Syracuse regarding their futures.

Considering it was originally announced in March 2006 that one of Norwich’s two churches – most likely St. Bart’s – would be closed, parishioners and church officials say this turn-around – coming after two years of tension and lobbying to save both parishes – is positive news.

“It’s a positive thing,” said St. Bart’s member Joseph Biviano, referring to Bishop James Moynihan’s weekend announcement that both churches will stay open. “What happens now depends on us. We have to move forward.”