NEW YORK -- Thousands of parishioners in the area attended Sunday mass knowing that their churches are to be closed as part of a realignment in the Archdiocese of New York.

Some, though, have vowed to continue to fight to keep their parish open, Monica Morales reported.

This was the first Sunday since the announcement, and the news hit hard.

Parishioners packed the pews at Mary Help of Christians in the East Village on Sunday with heavy hearts.

Many wept openly and prayed not for loved ones but for their church, Morales said.

Their parish, a fixture in their community since 1917, is one of 10 churches selected by the archdiocese to close.

Father James Heuser of Mary Help of Christians told Morales that "the process of realignment was extremely thorough. It was fair. It was done with a lot of care, care for our people.

Edward Cardinal Eagan announced the realignment on Friday. He said 10 parishes will be closed, four in New York City, four in Westchester County, one in Orange County and one in Dutchess County. The archdiocese said it had based its decision on low attendance.

"We are committed to every Catholic having a church...this will be a smooth transition," said Egan.

Father Heuser told Morales that there is no set timeline for closing Mary Help of Christians. But he hopes to keep the church open till at least May for Confirmation services. Parishioners said they will continue to fight and pray for a miracle.

“The fact that [my church] is closing down is overwhelming,” said parishioner Gricel Fernandez.

The archdiocese said that, while it is closing these parishes, it is planning to expand in other communities.

It is little comfort, however, to parishioners who said their church is the heart and soul of their community.