He added: “Whatever happens, the outlook is challenging.

“More than ever before the lay faithful will have to play a bigger role in the day-to-day running of their parishes.

“Parishioners need to know that if they do not support their parish or their priest there are no guarantees they will retain either in future. It’s a case of if you don’t use it you lose it.”

In the first of Fr Zielinski’s worst-case scenarios for the Tyne Valley, just one priest in Hexham would become responsible for Haydon Bridge and Haltwhistle.

The latter parishes could be withdrawn, although the churches would remain open for weekend or monthly Masses.

There would be a monthly Mass at Swinburne. Otterburn church might close and the resident priest could leave Bellingham.

Prudhoe may continue to have a priest, with a continuing specialised diocesan ministry. One option could see monthly Masses being supplied from Prudhoe for Swinburne and Bellingham.

In the second scenario, Haltwhistle, Otterburn and Bellingham parishes would all be amalgamated with Hexham.

The three churches would be closed with Hexham St Mary’s becoming the new parish church.

A retired priest would live at Swinburne and would also supply Mass at Bellingham on a weekly basis.

Haydon Bridge church would remain open with a retired priest resident there, or Haydon Bridge could be amalgamated with Hexham.

Referring to the options, Fr Zielinski said the closure of churches would be an extreme last resort.