Once the shock has worn off from the announcement that your church has been targeted for closure, you need to first ask and answer as best you can several questions. What is being closed, my “parish,” my “church,” or both? What are the reasons that are being given publicly for the closing(s?) What are the strengths and weaknesses of my church and parish, i.e. how many people attend, how many people support it, is it historic, is it in need of repair, and if so, how much? Finally, who may be willing to help me save the church and raise the funds necessary to maintain it in the future? Each of the following sections will help you think through these points.