St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Highland Mills will close this July.

There are decades of community memories at the church. As of July 1, those memories and occasions - baptisms, weddings, masses and funeral services - will essentially come to an end.

A representative for the New York Archdiocese told News 12 Thursday that the church on Route 32 will only be used for special occasions, such as Mass on St. Patrick's Day.

The parish will merge with Sacred Heart Parish in Monroe. 

The archdiocese said the decision was made as part of a 15-year effort to consolidate resources, including priests. 

Many parishioners reached out to News 12 upset about the decision, and a meeting was held at the church Wednesday night. 

Church officials say they hope the merger will strengthen the parish and community.