Yes, you are exactly correct; the faithful have been slowly weened off the truth. Intentionally or otherwise, the bishops and priests have allowed, if not encouraged, Catholics to think of themselves as Protestants, not Catholics. It is actually rare that one hears a priest, bishop or even a pope refer to the faithful in the pews as Catholics. All have been conditioned to refer to themselves as “Christians”. They will to admit this, of course, but it is undeniably true.
A number of years ago when I was attending the Novus Ordo Mass, a visiting priest celebrating a daily Mass at the church I was attending suggested that there was never a reason not to receive Holy Communion. He said that in spite of what “some people” may believe, it is rare that anyone ever commits a mortal sin (which he called a serious sin). He did not explain his reasoning but I’m sure there were those in attendance who took him to heart––after all, he was a “priest”.
I rarely comment on this site anymore as my views as a traditional Catholic are so dramatically inconsistent with many of the otherwise sincere Catholics who post and comment here that I’m certain my views are so radical that I come across as almost anti-Catholic. Of course, I’m not, but the teachings of the true Catholic Church are so very different than what is being taught by the Conciliar leaders in the Church today, I can well understand why many may feel that way.
The true teaching of the Church is not different. It is not being taught.
And that is why they need to hear from posters like yourself. They need to learn the true teachings of the Catholic Church. Who cares whether they think you are "radical"? Christ was "radical".
It is great to see you post again. I hope you will post more often.