Final Mass comes for dozens of Catholic parishes across the St. Louis region

ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Longtime parishioners of St. Andrew Catholic Church in the Lemay area gathered in the pews Wednesday night to share memories and a prayer of lament. “In a land where faith was strong, stood a parish proud and long. Named for St. Andrew’s guiding light, a beacon shining through the night. ... As we bid farewell in sorrow, we’ll keep your memory bright tomorrow.” The parish founded in 1905 is one of 34 that will permanently close on Tuesday in the largest restructuring in the history of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. While the churches are to remain open for worship, the parish...