When I think about the future of the Church in America, I like to close my eyes. When I do, I see Marian processions, like the ones held by the Latino Catholics one neighbourhood over from me, but integrated and teeming. I hear the Angelus bell like the Islamic call to prayer. I see the Divine Office being celebrated as a regular part of parish life.
I see lay leadership and even some oversight in the day-to-day administration of parishes. I see more poor people than rich, but I see them all worshipping together. I see people in and around the church at all hours.
