[Legatus]

It's been stated on FR threads numerous times unless a former RC send a letter to their former church they will remain on that church's membership rolls. Also, it's also been stated several times that once one is baptized as a RC they will remain RC forever.

There are two things at least going on here. A person who at least receives the Sacraments of initiation (Baptism, first Holy Communion and usually Confirmation) can return to the practice of the Faith at any time. Deathbed "reversions" are not uncommon. So in that sense "once Catholic always Catholic" is correct.

As for the parish records, generally the parish priest is supposed to do a census annually and clean up the register. The bishop is supposed to inspect the sacramental records when he visits the parish, usually for Confirmations, but I believe each diocese organizes this process on its own. Regardless, nobody local wants the numbers inflated and since anything that would come out of Rome concerning how many practicing Catholics there are come from publicly available reports it would be difficult to fudge the numbers.

[wmfights]

There are two things at least going on here. A person who at least receives the Sacraments of initiation (Baptism, first Holy Communion and usually Confirmation) can return to the practice of the Faith at any time. Deathbed "reversions" are not uncommon. So in that sense "once Catholic always Catholic" is correct.

Thank you. I know this, or something similar has been stated on prior occasions. I'm surprised there is any controversy about it, or how it might affect numbers.

As for the parish records, generally the parish priest is supposed to do a census annually and clean up the register. The bishop is supposed to inspect the sacramental records when he visits the parish, usually for Confirmations, but I believe each diocese organizes this process on its own.

At best a subjective accounting. One small example is my wife. She has been a Born Again Christian for about 20 years now and still regularly receives mail from her former church. I could be wrong, but I believe it's mail that's sent to members.

Regardless, nobody local wants the numbers inflated and since anything that would come out of Rome concerning how many practicing Catholics there are come from publicly available reports it would be difficult to fudge the numbers.

I would be stunned if there wasn't some "puffing" all the way along the line. One reason being it's human nature to want to make ourselves seem more important (in this case bigger numbers) than we are. Another reason being any huge organization is going to have communication issues at each level. The last reason being the RC's that excommunicate themselves by supporting abortion, or other things, are never dropped from the roles.

FWIW, I don't think it's part of a huge conspiracy.