Some of the Catholic churches and schools in the city and Bronx may soon have to close their doors.

Cardinal Edward Egan announced in a column in this week?s issue of Catholic New York that more than 30 churches and 12 schools in the New York Archdiocese will have to close. Cardinal Egan says he is forced to close or consolidate parishes because many Catholics are moving from the city to the suburbs.

The names of the parishes have not yet been determined. Cardinal Egan put together a panel of lay leaders and priests to review recommendations concerning which churches and schools should close. According to the New York Times, some of the schools may have a chance to appeal a recommendation to close.