The Archdiocese of Baltimore announced a proposal to reduce the number of catholic parishes in the Baltimore area from 61 to 26.
The reduction and merger includes communities in Dundalk, Essex, Overlea and Rosedale. Here is the proposal in Eastern Baltimore County.
Dundalk/Edgemere
Our Lady of Hope, 7945 North Boundary Road; Sacred Heart of Mary, 6736 Youngstown Avenue; and St. Rita, 3 Dunmamway in Dundalk and St. Luke, 7517 North Point Road in Edgemere would merge into one Dundalk church and services would be held at Our Lady of Hope.
Essex
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 1704 Old Eastern Avenue and St. Clare, 714 Myth Avenue, would merge into an Essex parish with services at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Hispanic ministry would also be held at Mount Carmel.
Overlea/Rosedale
Church of the Annunciation, located at 5212 McCormick Avenue in Overlea; St. Michael the Archangel, located 10 Willow Avenue in Overlea; and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer located at 1212 Chesaco Avenue in Rosedale would merge into a Far Northeast Parish at Church of the Annunciation.
These areas are considered in the Baltimore suburban area.
St. Joseph Fullerton, Our Lady Queen of Peace in Middle River, St. Issac Jogues in Carney, St. Stephen in Kingsville and St. Ursula in Parkville are not apart of the proposal and will not be affected.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore released a statement on their website about the proposal.
“A recommended proposal was developed for the Catholic Church in Baltimore City to include investment and ministries, the realignment of parish communities designed to offer a strong sense of belonging for all and the merging of parish campuses. The proposal is the culmination of visits to 61 parishes in the city and some immediate suburbs and input from thousands from our parish communities.
After nearly two years of listening, study, prayer, analysis and community weigh-in, the Seek the City to Come initiative has entered into the public comment phase. A recommended proposal was developed for the Catholic Church in Baltimore City to include investment and ministries, the realignment of parish communities designed to offer a strong sense of belonging for all and the merging of parish campuses. The proposal is the culmination of visits to 61 parishes in the city and some immediate suburbs and input from thousands from our parish communities.
Archbishop William E. Lori invites feedback on the proposal at two open public comment sessions. There will be a virtual component available at the sessions. The open public sessions are scheduled for:
• Thursday, April 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Archbishop Curley High School, 3701 Sinclair Lane, Baltimore, 21213
• Tuesday, April 30, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mount Saint Joseph’s High School, 4403 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, 21229
The proposal reduces the number of worship and ministry sites to 26 while including options for construction and the creation of new ministries.
A final decision on the proposal is expected in June.”
Here is a list of all of the Catholic parishes affected in the Baltimore region.
