Archdiocese of Baltimore may close 40 of its 61 churches aleteia.org

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has proposed a massive restructuring of its holdings, with the possibility of two-thirds of its churches being closed in the near future. Among the churches pegged for closure is St. Vincent de Paul, the oldest Catholic church in continuous operation in Baltimore.

According to The Baltimore Banner, the Archdiocese announced the proposal on April 14, 2024. It explained that the decision to consider closure of 40 of the 61 Catholic churches in Baltimore came after two years of study. Between churches and other worship sites in the city, it is estimated that there would only remain 26 locations for Catholic services if the plan goes through.

The initiative, titled “Seek the City to Come,” began in 2022 to address the dwindling rates of faithful in Baltimore. The archdiocese’s website cites several factors for this decline, including: a 38% decline in Baltimore’s population since 1950, shifting Catholic demographics, the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to this aging buildings are in need of repair, and 34 Baltimore parishes reported more funerals than converts and baptisms combined…

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