Letters and Decrees - Archdiocese of Baltimore

Letters & Decrees

Welcome to Letters and Decrees

This page provides access to key documents, decrees, and letters that guide and inform our journey toward the reimagined Catholic Church in Baltimore City. Here, you will find official statements, directives, and communications that reflect our commitment to faith, vision, and action.

FAQ

Key Terms

Letters

The official announcement from the Archbishop notifying individual parishes that a decree has been issued and where it is available to view.

Decrees

The decrees related to the Seek the City to Come initiative represent an administrative action mandated by the Archbishop in accordance with canon or “Church” law. These decrees yield the same results as those outlined in the original Seek the City plan released in May 2024.

En español

N

Nuestra Señora de Pompeya

S

Santa Clara
Santa Rosa de Lima

Appeals Information

After the decree is published at www.archbalt.org, a parishioner has the right to appeal in writing, to the Archbishop and ask him to change or revoke his decision regarding their parish.

According to Church law (Canon 1734), the written appeal must be postmarked no later than October 11, 2024, and addressed to Archbishop William Lori at 320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Appeals may also be printed out and hand-delivered to the Catholic Center (320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.) by 5:00 p.m. on October 11, 2024.

Appeals cannot be submitted via email or by a phone call.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a decree?

The decrees related to the Seek the City to Come initiative represent an administrative action mandated by the diocesan bishop in accordance with canon or “Church” law. These decrees yield the same results as those outlined in the original Seek the City plan released in May 2024

The Seek the City Plan was issued in May. Do the decrees have different outcomes?

The decrees are not different from the direction stated in the Seek the City to Come Plan. The issuing of a decree is simply a required step in Canon Law (Church law) to implement a particular decision.

Is there an appeals process?

After the decree is published at www.archbalt.org, a parishioner has the right to appeal in writing, to the Archbishop and ask him to change or revoke his decision regarding their parish. According to Church law (Canon 1734), the written appeal must be postmarked no later than October 11, 2024, and addressed to Archbishop William Lori at 320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Appeals may also be printed out and hand-delivered to the Catholic Center (320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.) by 5:00 p.m. on October 11, 2024. Appeals cannot be submitted via email or by a phone call.

What will happen to the parish buildings that will close?

Pastors will work with their parish communities to determine the best course of action regarding any unused buildings on a parish property.

What is the difference between a merger and an amalgamation?

In a merger, two or more parishes unite to form a new parish; meanwhile in an amalgamation, one or more parishes are absorbed into an existing parish