The Counsel of Trent #1029 - Was I Wrong About Protestants "Winning"?
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May 7, 2025 The discussion dives into the worrying trends of Catholic membership in America, emphasizing the importance of revitalizing family life for the Church's future. It calls for deeper engagement with lukewarm Catholics to foster stronger faith. Parents are highlighted as crucial in keeping youth connected to the Church, while the dire shortage of priests is also tackled. The contrast with growing Catholic populations in Africa raises urgency in encouraging young men to consider vocations. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking look at faith dynamics today.
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Adult Converts Are a Small Share
- Adult conversions make up only about 10-15% of new Catholics in the U.S., a proportion stable since 1965.
- Most Catholic growth historically came from infant baptisms and immigration rather than adult converts.
Family Life Drives Church Growth
- Declining Catholic marriages and child baptisms suggest weakening Catholic family life.
- Family revival among loosely affiliated Catholics is crucial to reversing overall Church decline.
More Leaving Than Joining Historically
- For every 100 people who join Catholicism, historically 840 leave, but the pace of loss may be slowing.
- Lack of precise departure data complicates understanding current trends in Catholic disaffiliation.
