The Church of 2050, by Stephen P. White

The Archdiocese of Baltimore recently announced a new initiative designed to “reimagine Catholic life in Baltimore City and some nearby suburbs.” The initiative is being called, “Seek the City to Come,” and is described by Archbishop William Lori like this: “We are calling on the people of God to creatively renew the foundation and footprint in the city to bring new life, new enthusiasm, new pastoral activity and, yes, a new use for some structures.”

In plain words, the oldest archdiocese in the United States is beginning the process of restructuring – which almost certainly means closing – parishes in and around Baltimore City. Baltimore joins a long and growing list of dioceses coming to terms with increasingly limited resources, shifting demographics, and a significant decline in Mass attendance. ….

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