Catholic parishes in the area faced a dreaded possibility this past year -- that some of them could someday close, merge, or be without a priest of their own.

Those scenarios were explored under a study launched by Bishop George Coleman of the Diocese of Fall River to address the growing trend of fewer priests to man the pulpits and fewer people in the pews at weekend Masses.

Statistics released as part of the study showed that the diocese can expect to have half the number of priests it now has by the year 2021.

Parish representatives met in cluster groups through the early months of the year to come up with recommendations that Coleman is now reviewing with diocesan advisory boards consisting of clergy and laity.