But still hopeful…from a reader:

Last week you reported a survey of Catholics saying on only 40-something % still believe in the real presence.  Well, this Sunday our Father Willy Raymond polled the congregation.  He reviewed all three questions first.  Then he asked, "who thinks the Eucharist is a great symbol?"  One person raised their hand.  Next, "does anyone think it’s more of a ‘memorial’?"  Another single congregant raised his hand.  Father Willy was stunned at this point, since the only question left was "who thinks Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, that it is the body and blood of our Lord?"   To that question about 600 raised their hands.   Father Willy smiled and stared at them for the longest moment.

We’re talking Los Angeles.   Worse, the West side.   St. Monica’s to be exact.  600 to 2.   We’re talking the "youth friendly mass."  Teenagers mostly.  Graduates of Catholic Religious Education.  600 to 2.

I’d like to say our Religious Education is pretty good, but I’m more inclined to attribute this to the tears of St. Monica.  That’s what brought me in the Church.