More than 45 churches in the diocese could be closed; more than half of those are in Cleveland.

More than 45 churches in the diocese could be closed; more than half of those are in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Members of several Roman Catholic parishes in Cleveland worried their church’s doors will be shut by diocese officials are campaigning against the possible closures.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland is thinking of consolidating parishes because of limited finances and shrinking congregations in Northeast Ohio. More than 45 churches in the eight-county region could be closed. About 25 in Cleveland are in danger.

Activists contend that the move would destroy neighborhoods long anchored by parishes.

“Most all of the parishes in our community are architectural gems,” said Councilman Anthony Brancatelli. “They’re sacred landmarks. A big concern is, now what?”

Some members are making their objections known.

“It’s not like it was 40 or 50 years ago. We don’t really have as many pay, pray and obey Catholics,” said Sister Christine Schenk, executive director of FutureChurch, an independent Lakewood-based organization that pushes for a larger voice for people in the pews. “There is a hope the diocese will take another look at the destabilization of neighborhoods in the Cleveland community.”

At St. Barbara Catholic Church on Cleveland’s West Side, about 400 people have written to the diocese asking that their parish not be closed.

“We’re trying to rebuild Brooklyn Centre,” said Dane Reich, a parishioner at St. Barbara. “If they close us down, my neighborhood is screwed.”

It’s a similar sentiment elsewhere. St. Casimir Catholic Church’s members are contacting long-missing parishoners. At Immaculate Heart of Mary, members are encouraged to write to the bishop to protect the Slavic Village parish.

“It gets very hard when people are facing the possibility of closing, and all the feelings that one would humanly expect,” said Rick Krivanka, who is overseeing the consolidation. “There’s no easy way to do what is very difficult.”

Bishop Richard Lennon is expected to decide by March on recommendations.

“Only God knows how this will unfold,” Krivanka said.