The formula for success that has been the hallmark of the Church for centuries...trusting in the Lord and the revealed Truth that is presented to us in his bride the Church and manifested in its scripture, doctrines, teachings, and traditions that are rolled up into the magisterium of the Church. Teaching on the same and then ACTING OUT those teachings in the form of physical and spiritual works of mercy. This is what makes the Church successful and relevant. This is what has built schools and hospitals. This is what gives and has given comfort for generations and centuries. There is no need to make all things new. In every diocese that has gone back to the basics, as well as solid, orthodox praxis of the faith, in communion with the magisterium and the Pope, rebirth has occurred. Rebirth of vocations, parishes, and schools. People want answers, they want rock to stand on.
I have a sinking feeling that many places wouldn’t necessary have to be closed if some creativity was applied. I am thinking of the fantastic work done by Fr. Philips at St. John Cantius in Chicago. He turned a dying disaster into a world famous gem. How did he do it? He stuck to the Church’s doctrine in his preaching, the texts and rubrics in worship, and used both the older and the newer forms of Mass. He stressed the Polish heritage of the parish and made sure there was always something going on.
Of course....you could have the wisdom of moral relativity (ignore the last 30 seconds, as the last 30 seconds tries to undo the real message):
Where there is no guidance that we just figure it out as we go along and at the time of death we end up with no comfort, no compassion, just "so how does that make you feel?" Where everything is alright.
The Lord our Father created the sacraments to strengthen us, heal us, and prepare us to be able to survive contact with the world and to engage the world as witnesses to his divine mercy and hopefully join him in heaven.
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