V.V. (19?) The "church key"

[Terrance]

jbor wrote:
> 
>     Paola, holding the church key, turned to gaze past Profane's left
>     ear at what glittered in Stencil's hand. (416.4)
> 
> Had to look that one up. A "church key" is a device with a triangular point
> at one end for making holes in the tops of cans.
> 
> Stop Press: Pynchon writes about beer, is therefore a "beer writer"?
> 
> : )
> 
> best

Any Irishman from the Bronx knows that a church key is for
making dead soldiers. 
Would you care to discuss the entire passage?