Baltimore Archdiocese to Merge 61 Parishes into 30 Sites

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has finalized a plan to reduce the number of Catholic parishes from 61 to 23, closing half of its churches in the city and nearby suburbs due to dwindling attendance and costly maintenance. Despite community pleas, the decision closely follows initial recommendations and aims to redirect resources to mission and ministry. The plan, which considers the needs of Black and Latinx communities, has sparked disappointment and criticism among parishioners.