John,
On this topic, I'd love to tip a few over a long night's conversation. I really do believe that most people are missing the big picture.  The clergy has positioned itself to BE the center of the institutional church.  In so doing, with the scandals, the obstinate refusal hold themselves accountable, even listen to the laity, the church is bleeding badly.  

I will never forget getting loudly "shhh'ed" one morning, well before mass,in the cafeteria of a public school (we were a new parish, and were renting the space for masses until we could build.) That morning was the first in weeks for a couple to return to mass.  They had lost their son in a tragic car accident.  My wife and I went over to talk to them, welcome them back, etc.  Apparently, we were "intruding" on somebody's entitled private prayer space (in that cafeteria...)  This couple had lost a son.  On their first day back, the needed welcome, comfort, and community.  THAT is Mass too.  It HAS to be...