That's just the number of people who identify themselves as Catholics or who were born Catholic. But how many of those do even so much as the 6 basic things required of all Catholics such as attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of obligation, go to confession at least once per year, contribute to the support of the Church, fast and abstain on the required days, etc.?
The number of people who attend the Tridentine Mass in the United States is less than a million; the number of Catholics is over 62 million.
People aren't aware that there is an alternative. I wasn't aware of the alternative for many years. People feel trapped in their Novus Ordo hell where they get to hear heresy from the pulpit and off-key lounge singing accompanied by guitars. They just stop going. That has been the decision of the large majority of Catholics, "Just say no."
This has been my experience as well. I am among those who continue to go to church every week, and every week I hope for the best. But more often than not, I am deeply disappointed by the seemingly never-ending innovations that come down the pike with alarming frequency.
And I'm not alone. The other mothers I speak to are equally upset, but when I ask them to join me in protesting, they hesitate. They are intimidated by both the pastor, who is an utterly unrepentent hippy-dippy type, and the Liturgy Committee, which is made up of individuals who are equally hippy-dippy.
I'll tell you this: If all of a sudden a miracle happened, and the pope ordered all parishes to offer at least one traditional rite Mass per week, the place would be PACKED --especially with the families of the kids who attend the school (I know I'd certainly be there).
Regards,