[fr_freak]

All we ever got from the Pope for centuries of devotion was a signed picture acknowledgement for a fiftieth wedding anniversary like he was some far away untouchable celebrity like Elvis.

I don't understand this entire line of thinking. Exactly what is it that you think you should be getting? Gifts? Sundays in the park? The Pope is a spiritual leader, not God Himself. He can't possibly give personal attention to every parishioner in the world. If you need that kind of hand-holding, there's always the local clergy.

[Earthdweller]

I don't need any further hand holding, my family WAS the family that stayed with and fed, and yes supported/rebuked, the Priest in our large city for decades. There were also the leading ecclesiastical family in Ireland for centuries.

You must not continue to attack people on a personal level without seeing the bigger picture....frankly it makes you look like a heartless creep. People do need hand holding...even the Priests.

My point is that there is a sense that "the authority" is too far away and out of touch...like it or not, it's true.

A smaller church gives a person a sense of inclusiveness in how their lives will turn out. It's a simple part of human nature that will not be ignored.

Some are asking for answers and as a person with knowledge of how things really work in the Church, I'm trying to give some suggestions.

I don't expect you to agree with my observations nor will you ever be able to wipe them away with excuses.

The left is in an all out assault on ALL churches...if you don't want or need any help, wonderful. I'm glad you all have everything looking rosie.