Archdiocese issues decrees regarding some merged parishes in Seek the City process

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The Archdiocese of Baltimore issued decrees Sept. 29 for some of the churches that will be affected by the Seek the City to Come planning process.

The formal decrees are a step in canon (church) law, formally notifying parishioners of the decision for their parish to merge with one or more other parishes. Under the plan, announced in May, the number of parishes will be reduced from 61 parishes at 59 worship sites to 23 parishes at 30 worship sites.

In a letter to parishioners, Archbishop William E. Lori recapped the prayerful and extensive journey of Seek the City, which included visits to every parish site in the city and a few in nearby parts of Baltimore County. 

The plan, which lasted almost two years, included several listening and planning sessions. After a draft plan was announced in April, the archdiocese held four additional feedback sessions, which resulted in some changes before announcing the final plan.

“I know this is not an easy time for our faithful parishioners, especially those who are facing the eventual closing of their beloved church buildings,” the archbishop said. “I appreciate the input you have offered, the love you have for your community, and I recognize that this is not an easy journey.”

Each decree specifies the reason behind the archbishop’s decision regarding the parish. The decrees include changes in population over the last several years, declines in Mass attendance and the reception of sacraments, the financial state of the parish and the close proximity of other parishes that could serve parishioners.

The decrees also specify new boundaries for merged parishes, the location for parish records, and how the assets and liabilities of the parish will be handled by the merged parish.

Decrees were posted to the archdiocesan website the evening of Sept. 29.

Archbishop Lori also noted, “Any parishioner of the archdiocese has the right to ask me to change or revoke my decision through an official appeal. This request must be made in writing and postmarked no later than Oct. 11, 2024, and sent to me.” 

The letter noted that appeals may also be printed out and hand-delivered to the Catholic Center, 320 Cathedral St., Baltimore, MD 21201, by 5 p.m. Oct.11. Appeals cannot be made via email or phone.

Canon law requires that parishioners be given 10 days to submit an appeal. The Oct. 11 deadline is 12 days from the date of the decrees. The archbishop has 30 days to respond to the request to change or revoke his decision.

Most of the decrees note that the effective date of the parish mergers will be Dec. 1, which is the first Sunday of Advent this year, and the start of a new liturgical year.

To read the decrees, visit: Letters and Decrees – Archdiocese of Baltimore (archbalt.org)

Email Christopher Gunty at editor@CatholicReview.org

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