Of all the mass media stories this summer, this is perhaps the saddest.

The sorry spectacle that has enveloped the family of Red Sox star Ted Williams in the days following his death two weeks ago continued unabated this week, as his grieving three children battle over how to dispose of his remains.

It is the stuff of supermarket tabloids: a great heroic athlete is frozen upon his death, in hopes that someday, science can catch up with reality and reverse the aging process- bring people back from death, or at least preserve the decedent's DNA, until a time when it can be revived and recreated. Science fiction, perhaps- but now the apparent strategy of Williams' survivors.

Much of the tumult has been focused on the sole male heir, 33 year old John Henry Williams- a man almost universally distrusted by sports reporters, who believe the son makes a living off the father's celebrity, selling autographs, baseball bats gloves and the like. Now that T.W. is gone, they suggest, the supply of his memorabilia will soon be in short supply. Perhaps the son hopes someday to bring him back, if only for a few more signings.

Ted Williams was a hero for generations- until now.

We recall the words of that Paul Simon song: "Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio..."

-Ed Forry

St. Ambrose's Scaleback an Alarming Signal

Dorchester's parochial schools have long been a strong element in making our neighborhoods so successful.

For generations, Dot's parish schools have educated scores of local children, giving them a great first step into the learning process. The Catholic schools have offered a valuable alternative to the often-troubled life inside the city's public school system.

But there is a major flaw in the parochial schools- it is one of resources. It costs a lot of money to maintain a quality learning environment. Buildings must be maintained, teachers salaries must be paid, textbooks must be purchased- and all of it paid for by church contributions and family-paid tuitions.

It is perhaps a reach to say the precarious conditions of the parish schools are a direct result of the current crisis in confidence in the church leadership: with charter schools and an emerging Boston public school system, the local parish schools face increased competition for students. And as the tuition costs will surely continue to rise, parents must factor their ability to pay into their decision of where to educate their children.

The news this week that St. Ambrose school has taken the first steps to downsize should set off alarms in everyone who believes in the value of a Catholic school education. It is time for the community to step up and support these schools.

-E.F.