Although the Brazilian bishops are going ahead with a "Year of the Laity" their agenda does not seem to include a greater role for the non-ordained in theological discernment or church governance, the two key areas in need of reform before the church can flourish outside of what used to be called primitive cultures.

   Our parish has a very large proportion of highly educated people, who are extraordinarily faithful and active in the church. They have been able to stay in the church with the benefit of wonderful priests, by learning to ignore theological and governance problems and focussing on non-controversial issues of personal spiritual growth, church maintenance, and modest charitable works. That restricts it to being a niche church, a tiny fraction of the population in the area.

   This is fine for some of us, but doesn't approach the radical sacrifice and evangelism Pope Francis has called for. Nor does it appeal to or meet the needs of the vast majority of Millennials.