If Marie5890 is correct, the mass attendance is about 8% which is far lower than the U.S. average. What it tells me is the Catholic priesthood as presently constituted is seriously failing in its work. I’m on that Mormon attendance in Europe is equally low because Mormons are mainly working with converts, but it is a shame that Catholic activity among traditional Catholics has become so low. If there is a problem in teaching them perhaps it means more teachers are required. Hopefully, the tipping point has not been reached beyond which recovery cannot happen. It will take the guidance of the Holy Spirit to change the situation, but it is unlikely the old ways will work. Somehow the Catholic Church needs to empower more faithful people to get involved in the work of saving souls. That may mean changing some traditions which are hampering the work – there is no reason unpaid married male clergy could not be a part of that solution unless those in power are more concerned about maintaining their grip on that power than they are about bringing people to God.
Catholic - You are over-simplifying the situation. There are several reasons why Catholics around the world have fallen away from their faith. Catholics from different countries see things from a different cultural perspective and behave accordingly. Also, I personally think (as in the case of the Italians) they take for granted what they have always had. In areas where there is not access to Cathedrals and priests etc, people are very faithful!
Also, as has been mentioned, there was a real “liberal takeover” after Vatican II (which was not the purpose of Vatican II) but somehow things were hijacked.
I know so many conservative, hard-working, devout, Catholics that are trying to raise their children properly and therefore, I don’t share the negative perspective.
I used to feel the way you do until I changed who I was hangin’ with, and now I find devout Catholics everywhere! Sure, they are not the majority, but that is to be expected.
I am not sure where you live, but living in Utah in a predominantly LDS neighborhood, I am not so quick to see the Mormons as having it all together. They have very good organizational skills within the wards, but that can also lead to other problems. I won’t go into it here, but believe me, some people find the “togetherness” suffocating.
I also enjoy the cleanliness of SLC down by Temple Square and it all looks very pretty on the outside. However, for the person who focuses on doctrine, it is hard to ignore the other parts.
My suggestion (and it is advice I have followed myself) is to seek out the more conservative Catholics and to study Church teachings more - this way we are not swayed by the exterior or by the Catholics who are not practicing their faith.
I guess what it is I am trying to say - I understand your frustration and have been there. Don’t let it throw you off, study and pray through it, and remember, you are not alone!!
Many of us who are trying to do the right thing are frustrated by the Catholics who behave badly. But nowhere in Church doctrine is it considered “okay” and we are not a religion that polices its members. Free will, my friend, free will.
