"...the fresh air of scientific learning and societal development into our understanding of doctrine."

Every Catholic can do that, following one's conscience, IQ, etc. We are not judged for our doubt because we are unable to understand Vatican II, for example, or the teachings of first Church Councils. Applying scientific learning to our understanding of a personal God is challenging, not least because of the way science and theology use language, metaphor, etc. so peculiarly, making it difficult for the 2 disciplines to catch up with each other. But it is not impossible to at least approximate an understanding, however provisional, between the 2.    

If we don't, the RCC will go the way of the dodo."

Speak for yourself in that regard. The CC will be around until the end of time -- which actually could be quite near, according to Stephen Hawking, who raises disturbing questions about the end of our century. Indeed, the "way of dodo" thru lost scientific territories of space is near.