The Archdiocese of Baltimore has released a comprehensive plan over the weekend, aimed at addressing the challenges faced by its parishes within Baltimore City and certain areas of the county. According to officials, the proposed plan is the culmination of two years of careful consideration.

The plan outlines the potential closure or merger of some of the 61 parishes within the specified geographical boundaries. The Archdiocese cited several factors as the driving forces behind this proposal, including the maintenance costs associated with aging church buildings, low mass attendance figures, and the need to better serve the broader community’s unmet needs.

In an effort to gather public input and ensure transparency, two public listening sessions have been scheduled for later this month. These sessions will provide an opportunity for the faithful and community members to voice their concerns, offer suggestions, and contribute to the decision-making process. A final decision on the proposed plan is expected to be announced in June.

Archbishop William E. Lori emphasized the importance of public feedback and consultation with various stakeholders, including the Pastoral Council, the Presbyterate, and the Board of Financial Administrators, in shaping the final decisions. “We set out many months ago with a call to the faithful: Help the Church in Baltimore minister to our neighbors and respond to the needs of the city for the centuries to come as we have since 1789,” Lori stated. “Together, we must design a plan that confronts decades of disinvestment and population loss in the city and brings the Eucharistic vision to life through mission and ministry.”

The public comment sessions are scheduled for April 25 at Archbishop Curley High School and April 30 at Mount Saint Joseph’s High School, both taking place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

As the Archdiocese navigates these challenging times, the proposed restructuring plan aims to address the evolving needs of the community while ensuring the long-term sustainability and vitality of the Church’s mission in Baltimore.