Archdiocese of Baltimore's final reorganization plan would shut down 30 Catholic churches

BALTIMORE - The Archdiocese of Baltimore disclosed its final plan Wednesday to close and consolidate parishes in the city and parts of Baltimore County.

The 61 parishes within the archdiocese would be merged into 30 worship sites, according to the "Seek the City to Come" plan.

"While these decisions are difficult, I believe they hold great promise for the future of the Church in Baltimore City," Archbishop William Lori said in a statement. "We were guided by the Holy Spirit whose voice was discerned in listening to the voices of the faithful throughout the city and in prudently considering the challenges and possibilities that lay before us."

The Archdiocese of Baltimore states the plan to "revitalize" the church has been underway for the last two years and is not connected to its Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, which was filed ahead of a new law that went into effect last year, eliminating the statute of limitations in child sexual abuse claims. 

Instead, the church cites the reasons being low attendance, maintenance costs and unmet opportunities to better serve the community.

"These decisions were made to pull together gifts and resources that have often been spread thin across many parishes," Archbishop Lori said. "We will form new communities that are well equipped to carry out the urgent mission before us: announcing the Gospel and helping our neighbors here in the city to encounter the saving love of the Father revealed in Jesus Christ."

The Archdiocese of Baltimore said a final decision on the proposal is expected in June.

You can find a list of the consolidated churches here.

Visit ArchBalt.org to review the entire proposal.