One of Ottawa's oldest churches is headed for the auction block because the Roman Catholic Archdiocese says it can't afford the nearly $2-million worth of repairs the building needs.

Putting St. Brigid's up for sale is a practical business decision, said Most Rev. Marcel Gervais, archbishop of Ottawa.

"The church is in need of major, major care," he said. "The community that is there is not able to raise those funds – it just won't raise those funds – so I have to be a rational manager. I cannot allow things to go on that make no sense."

However, some parishioners oppose the sale and vow to put up a fight to keep the historic Lowertown church, which was built in 1890 for the English-speaking Catholics of the area.

The parish council says it's considering legal action and filing a complaint with Rome.

St. Brigid's priest is moving to Vanier's Assumption parish in August.

The Archdiocese is expected to try to sell the church later this year.