text: Many Catholic churches are empty and many are full (likewise among all denominations in the US). Needless say, some parishes are thriving with  the "historical priesthood" and some non-Catholic churches -- that never had a "historical priesthood" -- are suffering losses. So it's not necessarily the "historical priesthood" in itself. I also don't think "flinging the doors open to let people out into the world" is a solution because "they" are already "out" like runaway horses, as it were.  
  
  The most active parishes I know of, however, consist of lay and clerical leaders showing parishioners how to do the work of disciples, of committed Christians. Liturgies at these parishes are a consequence of or the result of community action, involvement in neighborhoods, Matt. 25 in action. But liturgy and service go hand in hand, nourishing parishioners and the parish leadership team alike, mutually. Finally, such active parishes never confuse bad oversight or management with fate or patriarchy.