It very well may be that the numbers are dwindling, but it’s not really all about numbers. Those who remain steadfast in the Church will be for real. They will be the genuine Catholics.
Sometimes we forget that every 400 years the Church, which is seemingly falling into decline, is revitalized. In every case, the dwindling numbers were of the truly faithful, and the re-generation began again.
For the individual, believing Catholic who searches his heart every day in order to praise God and be an “ambassador for Christ” (St. Paul), the Church is always renewing itself.
As for me and my house, we are not jumping ship.
Now that's an interesting statement, one I've not heard before. You have my full attention - could you elaborate?
Most of these numbers are bogus in one sense. It doesn’t really matter how few priests America produces. We will simply get priests from somewhere else. That used to be the case anyway. Some diocese have more vocations than they know what to do with. Lincoln comes to mind immediately.
Bad bishops are being replaced - finally! Most of the new priests are orthodox and excellent. Catholic publishing is rebounding after three decades of inertia. Catholic media - especially radio and online - is taking off. Catholic TV is doing well and growing.
I know many anti-Catholics like to feel vindicated when they read about dying religious orders, or the shuttering of parishes, but the Church is NOT shrinking or dying. What is clear is that we are at the beginning of a new wave of conversions, ordinations and expansions. The problem is that new wave will only be accomplished after much pain and re-adjustment.