Established in 1887, Holy Rosary in Upper Fells Point will soon be one of just a handful of historic Baltimore Catholic churches left standing next year.

“My whole life. My whole life I’ve been coming to this church,” said parishioner Ed Marcincko. “If this church were to close, I probably would not go to a Catholic church again for the rest of my life.”

Set to close dozens of churches just before the holidays, the Archdiocese of Baltimore has officially begun its consolidation process.

In line with its “Seek the City” initiative announced back in May. Final masses will begin this fall, and closures will be finalized in December. At that point, the region’s 61 churches will be cut down to 23 parishes and 30 worship sites. In a video message to parishioners, Archbishop William Lori insisted the closures are separate from the church’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed in the wake of a widespread sexual abuse scandal.

Instead, Lori blames deteriorating buildings and a declining population, which has caused bills to pile up.

“These decisions, while difficult, are made with an eye toward a future full of hope,” said Archbishop Lori. “This process was aimed at allowing our parishes to focus on mission and ministry as opposed to leaking roofs, crumbling walls and failing electrical and plumbing systems.”

“We have a plethora of issues in this city: crime, property tax, water bills, infrastructure and a lack of services that all undermine having a strong Catholic community in this area,” echoed Marcincko.

Marcincko says he’s heartbroken for those losing their lifelong church homes and is fearful his own won’t last much longer.

“My dream was to be married here and be buried here,” he said. “This is my church, and I hope it stays open.”

He added the difficult transition is made worse by its timing during the Christmas season.

“That’s a bitter pill,” Marcincko said. “To have your church closed down at that particular time with the great decorations, with honoring the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s sad.”

For those wanting to fight to keep their church open, the archdiocese says parishioners have until Oct. 11 to submit a written appeal.