What is happening to the Church?

Sitting at Mass this morning and it was sad to realize that the church is actually empty. I don't know if it's the scandal, in general, that is the cause, our priest not being able to connect with families. I don't know.

Not only is Church empty, but the school associated with our church is closing as is half dozen others locally -- they are going to combine to make one school. Half a dozen Catholic schools have such poor enrollment that they have to combine to have one full school.

Reflecting on the school closing: Why? Why is enrollment so low? Is it the cost? I don't think totally, seeing all the other non-Catholic Christian schools are doing well. So what is it?

Well, as someone that has taught Religious Education over the years, therefore have access to the school and classrooms,
I suspect part of the reason is the curriculum. Truly, there is nothing Catholic anymore about many of the Catholic Schools besides the artwork, Mass once a week, and Religion class a couple times a week. The science curriculum is not faith-based, the history curriculum is not faith-based.

The only time faith is discussed is during religion time. You go in and look at the curriculum and you realize that is the exact same curriculum, besides the religion materials, that the public schools use. Why? Why would I spend THOUSANDS of dollars a year for my children to get the same education as the public school kids?

Part of the reason we choose to homeschool our kids was that we could not afford the Catholic School and that we wanted them to have a Catholic Education. I'm floored on why a Catholic School would choose to use the same materials as the public schools when there are some Catholic curriculum publishers that could provide them with faith-centered curriculum for many of the subjects, not just religion that happens a couple times a week and Mass that happens once a week.

Which brings me back to Mass attendance. It's clear, to me, that the Catholic schools are doing poor catechesis. I think the Church, for a long time, has done a poor job of catechesis. I don't think many realize the importance of Church, being apart of the community, why you should be going to Mass, what happens at Mass, what the Eucharist is, etc. I mean I feel like if people really knew and had an understanding Mass attendance would be better. I feel like the community would be better -- then again given the scandals and the lack of strong outrage and abomination from the hierarchy I don't blame people.

That with all the scandals is my biggest frustration! Outside of a few Bishops, there is no call to clean house. There is no strong clear voice that is making it clear that it's wrong and will not be tolerated. period. Yes, a few Bishops have stepped forward, but the majority seem to be giving the same canned response.  It's wrong, we need to protect kids, but I feel it's just lip service. There doesn't seem to be anything being done but some lip service.

I guess time will tell, but with the school already closed and attendance being low I have to start to wonder if my home parish will be closing it's doors too.  Part of me thinks not, because my home parish happens to be the Cathedral for my dioceses, but then again I thought being the Cathedral would mean our school, despite enrollment numbers, would stay open. I was wrong in that thinking.

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