MELROSE, Minn. — A group of parishioners trying to save a historic church in central Minnesota has lost an appeal.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals has rejected an attempt by members of the Catholic Church of St. Mary in Melrose to save the 118-year-old structure.

Arson heavily damaged the church in 2016 and the Diocese of St. Cloud eventually decided to demolish it and build a new one. A group called Friends to Restore St. Mary's sued the parish, the diocese and Bishop Donald Kettler, arguing that the church is a natural resource and cannot be demolished under the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act.

PAPILLION, Neb. — A Catholic school in an Omaha suburb will station armed off-duty officers to protect students during school-day Masses.The St. Columbkille security program in Papillion will use nonuniformed volunteers who are affiliated with the parish, including parents of children in the K-8 school.Principal Brandi Redburn says officials wanted to step up security for Masses in the church.