"The RCC is the US is in decline."

US Christianity in general is in decline, according to the polls and contemporary research. As a nation we used to be 95% Christian, but now are barely 70% (Catholic, 21%;  Protestant, 46%; Orthodox, 1%; and Mormons, 2%). But more than ever -- in a period of decline, secularism, etc. -- we need people committed to living out the "evangelical counsels," radical Gospel recommendations to follow Jesus in communities committed to poverty/community living, chastity and obedience/service. Some CC religious communities are more successful in fleshing out these communitarian imperatives (the heart and soul of the religious life) than others. But whatever their "success," their witness is important today, in an increasingly materialistic, violent culture. There will always be people opting for this life, however. If St. Francis (Franciscans), St. Dominic (Dominicans), St Teresa (Carmelites), etc., had not been so "foolish" for Christ's sake, we should be so.