A decision made last week will usher in the end of an era to Tamaqua next June.

That is when the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary will formally withdraw from the community, ending a relationship with a parish and school that thrived under IHM spiritual guidance for the past 83 years.

Father William Campion, pastor, announced IHM General Superior Sister Rose Marie DeCarlo notified the school that five sisters currently residing at the convent at 250 W. Broad St. will be relocated.

The community leader cited declining resources and limited available staff as the reasons for the withdrawal from Tamaqua.