State of the Church (in America at least)

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James_2_24

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How is the future of the Church looking in America? I have heard differing stories from different Priests…

I have heard:

1.) The trend is that it is getting much better, the new seminarians are much more obedient and orthodox. Things are bound to change for the better within our lifetime.

2.) Same old, Same old, the seminaries are still a mix of orthodox and mostly heterodox seminarians. The state of the Church will not change much in our lifetime.

3.) it is going to get much worse. Vocations are actually down, don’t believe those who say they are up. You will see many parishes close down in your lifetime. Maybe even a diocese or two.

So which is it? Does anyone know? And if you do, what is the basis for your claim(s)?

Thanks
 
James_2:24:
I have heard:

So which is it? Does anyone know?
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As you said, “I have heard,” and I too have heard the same things. I suppose it depends on whom you speak to - and whether that person considers the glass half empty or half full.

I would say that all three points you noted are simultaneously true.
 
There was actually a recent study not too long ago. I have the citation back home, I will post it this evening, as well as see if it’s available online.

From what I recall, the actual number of Catholics is not going down overly much - numerically we’ve increased, and make up about the same percentage of the American population as we did 25 years ago. However, the number of priests has been decreasing, and of those remaining, an awful lot are over 60. So, what we’re seeing is an increasing laicization of the Church. This of course has huge implications for day to day Catholic life, such as parish closings, etc. Anyway, I’ll try and find that study.
 
IMHO, just wait till my generation (late teens, early 20’s) gets out there and starts getting polled and popping out kids. With my generation you will see a return to orthodoxy and a greater religious conviction than that of the past few generations. If I am wrong, then so be it, but I will be doing my part.

DU
 
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snowman10:
IMHO, just wait till my generation (late teens, early 20’s) gets out there and starts getting polled and popping out kids. With my generation you will see a return to orthodoxy and a greater religious conviction than that of the past few generations. If I am wrong, then so be it, but I will be doing my part.
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I sure hope you’re right! Then, maybe we’ll see a big increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

My diocese is projecting increases in Catholic population,and decreases in the number of priests (not enough newly ordained to replace all the ones that will retire or pass away) over the next several years (hopefully there will be an increase in vocations in the upcoming generations to help with that).

To avoid closing churches, laypeople will have to play a bigger role – I’m assuming there are administrative tasks and other non-priestly functions that priests now have to do, and could be taken over by laypeople.
 
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CarolAnnSFO:
I
My diocese is projecting increases in Catholic population,and decreases in the number of priests (not enough newly ordained to replace all the ones that will retire or pass away) over the next several years (hopefully there will be an increase in vocations in the upcoming generations to help with that).

To avoid closing churches, laypeople will have to play a bigger role – I’m assuming there are administrative tasks and other non-priestly functions that priests now have to do, and could be taken over by laypeople.
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Exactly. There is no reason the priest needs to do all the admin and other tasks that the laity could easily take over, thus freeing up the priest to focus on priestly functions.

Lisa N
 
James_2:24:
How is the future of the Church looking in America? I have heard differing stories from different Priests…

I have heard:

1.) The trend is that it is getting much better, the new seminarians are much more obedient and orthodox. Things are bound to change for the better within our lifetime.

2.) Same old, Same old, the seminaries are still a mix of orthodox and mostly heterodox seminarians. The state of the Church will not change much in our lifetime.

3.) it is going to get much worse. Vocations are actually down, don’t believe those who say they are up. You will see many parishes close down in your lifetime. Maybe even a diocese or two.

So which is it? Does anyone know? And if you do, what is the basis for your claim(s)?

Thanks
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I’d say 3.
I’m hoping & praying for the “american catholic church” to seperate from the true Church & get all these worthless heretics out of God’s House. If they want to spread there lies of queer love & a prostitution priesthood then to hell with them all. :mad:
 
Lisa N:
Exactly. There is no reason the priest needs to do all the admin and other tasks that the laity could easily take over, thus freeing up the priest to focus on priestly functions.

Lisa N
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I wholeheartedly disagree. You can not hand over administration to the laity fully. At my old parish that is what happened. The pastor ended up checking with the administrator before he did anything to make sure he was not wrong. That is not the way a Catholic Church should operate. Someone who understands pastoral ministry must still be able to make decisions based on what is best spiritually for the Parish (including at times, running the Church on Faith, rather than business principles).

If I am not mistaken, Canon Law requires the pastor to function as the administrator of a parish:

Can. 532 In all juridical matters, the parish priest acts in the person of the parish, in accordance with the law. He is to ensure that the parish goods are administered in accordance with canon 1281-1288.

While it would be okay for the laity to assist the priest, it would still have to be his responsibility.

In regards to this thread though, I agree with the previous poster, that the up and coming generation is going to surprise us with their Orthodoxy. I worked with them for the last 4-5 years, and they truly amaze me. They see boloney for what it is, and if you are not straight with them, they know it.

Peace…

Pisio
 
The Roman catholic church in America is on it’s death bed and it’s future is dependent on the ignorence and superstitions of the poor and under educated nations.
 
Lisa N:
Exactly. There is no reason the priest needs to do all the admin and other tasks that the laity could easily take over, thus freeing up the priest to focus on priestly functions.

Lisa N
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Everything should be done in conjuction with the priest. He does have the last word. And the priests I know would never give that responsibility away to laity. Ever. We do not even have a pastoral council…

Christ is risen…truly he is risen!
Shoshana
 
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