Dear Blog Visitors:
A number of friends have asked me if I have given up my efforts at reforming the Roman Catholic Church. This question arose out of the fact that my blog postings in recent months, in addition to my Facebook and Google+ postings, have focused on other areas of interest.
It continues to be my hope that a few reform initiatives will find success in Roman Catholicism. However, as I grow older, I find that I achieve great joy by engaging in my ministries quietly, in addition to filling time with some of my life-long passions, such as classical music, photography, movies, plays, free-lance writing, etc.
I have not lost interest in reforming the Catholic Church. However, I have come to realize that the next generation needs to pick up the ball and decide what kind of church it wants. I will say, however, that I am encouraged by the latest statistics concerning American Catholics. The Vatican, at some point in the near future, will need to deal with declining Mass attendance, in addition to dealing proactively with the priesthood shortage. According to the latest statistics, 86% of American Catholics support the inclusion of married priests. Correspondingly, the Vatican will need to decide if mandatory celibacy makes sense in today's climate. My hope is that reality will take hold and that the next generation will finally persuade the powers-that-be that optional celibacy is the way to go.
I continue to thoroughly enjoy my life of active retirement, which has allowed me to wear many hats. One of these hats is that of a married priest, whereby I avail myself as an officiant for weddings, baptisms and funerals. While the work of church of church reform has taken a back seat recently, I still take a keen interest in the future direction of Roman Catholicism.
Peace to all,
Ray
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