Two Catholic churches in Halifax are permanently closing their doors

Two prominent Catholic churches in Halifax are permanently closing their doors.

Two prominent Catholic churches in Halifax are permanently closing their doors.

Archbishop Brian Joseph Dunn made the decision to close Saint Theresa's Church on North Street and Saint Patrick's Church on Brunswick Street following recommendations from the parish leadership of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, according to a Monday news release from Aurea Sadi, a spokesperson for Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth.

Sadi says finances, attendance, pastoral capacity, proximity to other churches, as well as the structural concerns of the buildings were all factors that lead to the recommendations to close.

"In January 2024 the parish leadership began a process of consultation and prayer with parishioners to determine the future of the parish’s resources and their ability to best serve their communities," said Sadi in an email to CTV News Wednesday. "The recommendation to close Saint Patrick and Saint Theresa church buildings came as a result of this consultation process."

The statement from the archdiocese says letters from Dunn announcing the closures were read and distributed to the parish community at all masses over the weekend.

In the letters, the archbishop acknowledged the sadness these closures cause and "seeks to work with the parish leadership to focus on how to pastorally care for those immediately affected."

As far as when the churches will permanently close, the statement says Dunn will consult with the parish leadership to determine the appropriate time and place for final masses.