I am constantly reading about how bad things are for the Catholic Church. Critical articles keep appearing in theological journals, sociological works, secular newspapers (like the New York Times) and magazines. According to their views, Catholics in droves have left the church (which is true), the vast majority of Catholics do not follow the official teachings of the church (which is not true), the church is so out of date that it cannot appeal any more to the modern mind (which also is not true), etc. According to the reports of these secular publications and according to lectures given by their authors, the Catholic Church must radically reform or perish. And by radical reform, they mean: the church must change its stance on birth control, ordination of women, a mandatory, celibate clergy, the gay life style, same-sex marriage, how bishops and pastors are selected, civil divorce with remarriage, etc. Many of the authors who promote these views claim that they are the true consequences of a right understanding of Vatican II. But a constant literary diet of such criticisms leads to dissatisfaction, gloom and doom thinking and emotional dryness.
In addition, Catholics face an increasingly hostile civic government. Insurance which includes coverage on contraceptives and abortifacients is being imposed on Catholic institutions. The policy includes a conscience clause but one which applies so narrowly that the vast majority of Catholic institutions would not be able to claim it. In various cities and states, Catholic orphanages have had to stop placement services because of demands that children be placed in homes of same-sex couples. Catholic pharmacists are expected to fill prescriptions for contraceptives and abortifacients (and for lethal injections in Oregon, Washington state and Wyoming where assisted suicide is legal). Only a handful of states provide conscience clauses for pharmacists. All of this adds to the sense of a persecution today against the church.
Our American bishops are now acknowledging this phenomenon. Just this past week or two, Auxiliary Bishop James Conley of Denver told a group in Dallas that the country is becoming an “atheocracy — a society actively hostile to religious faith and religious believers.” Bishop William Lori of Bridgeport, Conn., said that “both law and culture are establishing unreligion as the religion of the land.” Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York declared, “We see in our culture a drive to neuter religion, to push it back into the sacristy.”
I assure you that the church is still strong, active and vibrant throughout the United States. I just returned from a family funeral in San Diego, where I presided at the burial Mass of an aunt on the Monday after Thanksgiving. The day before — the First Sunday of Advent — I concelebrated with the pastor of the local parish. The experience refreshed my soul. The church was crowded for the 9 a.m. Mass. Young couples and small children were everywhere in evidence. The congregation knew the new Mass changes, answered strongly and loudly. They beamed as the pastor brought up to the altar a crowd of 5- and 6-year-old children to converse with him about the liturgy. (The pastor admitted that he had to be careful when he publicly speaks this way with children; they frequently say the darndest things.) A group of adults preparing for reception into the Catholic Church were introduced. And after Mass, many people came up to greet me and offer words of welcome. (There are many parishes in San Antonio that offer similar welcoming receptions and Christian hospitality, be assured.)
Here is where the strength of the church is found, in the hearts and living experience of parish and family life. The grace of God is manifest here. I did not think about all the problems people say we have in the church while celebrating the liturgy. I just felt the power of God in the hearts of these people. This experience keeps parishes and families together, and enables them to keep close to God. The gates of hell will never overcome us. Neither will the secular people and governments — so long as we continue to worship and pray together.
Father John A. Leies, SM, STD, is president emeritus of St. Mary’s University and was formerly head of the Theology Department there.