"Low Priest rate...results from Vatican ll."
This argument does not follow. There were many other events occuring simultaneously with Vatican 2. Remember the 1960's? Sexual revolution? Vietnam (bringing disdain for authority)? Dissent not disciplined?
Vatican 2 was not the problem. It was not implemented. And the above problems were developing. THESE are why the priest rates continue to be low. Our current culture remains a difficult obstacle to those who are considering the priesthood.
As to altar rails, communion in hand, etc., rather than concentrating on such disciplines and rules and regulations, perhaps we should worry more about conversion to Christ. It goes without saying that most Catholics have not had a conversion experience, and don't see the relevance of the Church in their lives. We are free from the Law, according to Paul, so why are you concentrating so much on it? Is having communion in the mouth going to cause a conversion to Christ? A transformation that brings an adult to minister actively in the Church? I doubt that.
Regards
The Catholic Church..was cast into a protestant way in Vatican 2 along with the virtues and morals of those of many unfortunatley...No excuses,then as now sin is sin ,Heaven is there and so is hell,you chose your own path no one else to blame..fear God and love Him in His Church...conversions mean Convert to Christ..then as now...ask the martyrs of the Catholic Church. Would they recognize the Church today..I don't think so!!!!!
Priests used to know why they became priests to save souls, to CONVERT souls to His Catholic Faith founded by Christ...they need to be reminded now....sad.