Nation IN BRIEF : MASSACHUSETTS : Protesting Catholics Told to Leave Church

A judge ordered Roman Catholic parishioners in Worcester, Mass., to leave an old church they have occupied for a year to block its closure. The protesters pledged instead to keep up their occupation of St. Joseph’s Church, saying they would appeal the order and risk arrest. Judge James McHugh delayed the effective date of his vacate order until June 17 to give the parishioners time to seek its reversal by an appeals judge. Catholic officials said the congregation could not afford nearly $1 million to repair leaks and a crumbling facade on the 67-year-old church.