I suppose everyone has heard about the "clusters." You know, the Catholic Church's answer to the 21st century. I don't know--I guess it is a good idea. We have to do something for sure.

My problem with the whole concept is that I love my little church, St. Hedwig's on Madison Avenue. It's quiet, a little old-fashioned and we have a wonderful pastor. I suppose all Catholics feel that way about their church.

When the dreaded "closings list" comes out, I'm sure there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth by the affected parishioners. There will be so many questions: Will the masses be at the same times as they were in our church? Will they periodically have sales of heavenly Polish food? Will I see familiar faces in pretty much the same places in St. Whatever Church?

This whole thing won't go down for several years, and maybe by then we will have an influx of priests and nuns and won't have to go through this. But you know what? If it does come to pass we will survive and maybe, just maybe, we will be stronger.