Living in a small town to which many Catholics fled after their city neighborhoods were destroyed by vicious spasms of “urban renewal” provides an opportunity to see what happens to Catholics when separated from their parishes.
The first generation to “move to the country” maintains ties with the local parish, though most of their neighbors are Protestants. The second generation of rural Catholics goes through Baptism and Holy Communion. A smaller number stays in attendance through Confirmation. Over time, many of the Catholics become Protestants, often joining socially active mega-churches.
Rural Catholics in the third generation often fall away from any church attendance at all. They often do not marry, and do not have children. Few realize that their jobs, often as unionized craftsmen, were protected by The Church.
When they lost their faith, their incomes dwindled along with their families.
