Replies

I have had much the same experience as you (although I have found one or two parishes that were exceptions in at least some areas).

IMHO, more people leave the Church because priests are wishy-washy and liberal, than leave because of priests who are preaching doctrine heavily.

The child sex scandal (not so much the scandal, but the way the bishops handled it, and continue to do so) was also a biggie.

In my area (Cleveland) the diocese is closing many churches. Granted, attendance is down and churches aren't without expenses. However, many of those slated for closure have vocal and dedicated people trying to keep them open. What would have made more sense, and would have been a creative way to boost attendance, would have been for the bishop to say "here's a list of parishes who will be closed if attendance doesn't improve" - give people who might have been lax in coming to mass the chance to come back and save their parish.

Instead, many will lose churches they cherish, and for personal or geographic reasons, will not be able to attend the next closest one. Those who might have come to "save" their parish will certainly not be likely to come back. Perhaps some money was saved, but how many parishiners were lost who could have been brought back into the fold?

I agree with your post completely. Even a letter sent to registered parishioners telling them the pastor hopes they are happy in the parish and his goals for the parish would do wonders. Honesty and love would win out. The Truth is already there.

I think Catholics today need to see someone openly living a joyful Catholic life. We are too quiet about what we are thinking, feeling, and doing. We are shy about it.

A priest I knew once said that if people you encounter in your daily life are not aware you are Catholic, you are not living out the Faith the way you should be. The Light should shine.

I find it helpful to wear a medal. Other Catholics recognize it and those who have fallen away will sometimes comment on it. That opens up the door to discussion. I also wear ashes to work on Ash Wednesday. I have to go to Mass early to get them, but it is the one time of the year I can really broadcast it at work (I work at a public school). It is hard because so few do it now, but I think it may be doing a little good for the lukewarm to see it.

We have to LIVE Catholic. With joy. We have to be an example for young people today. As St. Francis once said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and, when necessary, use words.” Example is powerful.