Cleveland, USA - A Hungarian Catholic church called St. Emeric's is becoming the last church to close its doors in a massive downsizing of mostly older, ethnic parishes in Cleveland.
The angry Catholics of the Cleveland diocese have watched helplessly as 50 churches have been shuttered in the past year.
The diocese has said many of the churches were operating in the red. Some were closed while others merged. There are 174 parishes left.
The diocese announced the closings last year, citing falling attendance, a priest shortage and financial problems.
Roman Catholic dioceses across the country have been struggling to maintain aging churches amid declining parishioners and revenue.
The St. Emeric's parishioners have picketed outside the bishop's office and held Mass on the sidewalk in the rain in protest. Their final Mass is Wednesday.