The closure of 39 Catholic churches in Baltimore, effective Nov. 24, 2024, brings practical challenges and emotional impacts. Part of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s “Seek the City to Come” initiative, this consolidation addresses declining attendance, financial struggles, and urban shifts. Yet, the closures disproportionately affect Black Catholic communities, with two-thirds of the shuttered parishes serving historically Black congregations.

The closures aim to pool resources from underutilized churches to strengthen remaining parishes. Archbishop William Lori emphasized that sustainability, not bankruptcy linked to abuse claims, was the primary driver. Still, many view this shift as a blow to neighborhood ties and cultural heritage. These churches have been pillars of outreach, offering food, education, and support to vulnerable populations. Closing them risks severing access to these services and forces parishioners to adapt to new, often inconvenient, communities.

The closures elicit grief. While churches like St. Frances Xavier will remain, others will merge or repurpose, leaving many mourning lost spiritual homes. The closures raise questions about the future of urban Catholicism’s ability to serve diverse communities. It will feel surreal to pass such community “safe ports,” now sacrifices for “sustainability.”

St. Frances Xavier, St. Wenceslaus, and St. Ann’s have been anchors of Baltimore’s Catholic life for over 150 years. Their loss is like the sudden absence of a lifelong friend — everything remains, but they’re no longer home. Memories will linger, but so will the grief.

The closure of 39 churches in Baltimore, where the first Catholic enclave was established in America, demands a conversation about preserving the legacy of urban churches while adapting them to modern realities. Baltimore must honor their history while addressing contemporary needs for inclusion, sustainability and service.

— John Milton Wesley, Columbia

John Milton Wesley is a non-Catholic author and singer/songwriter.