Well, in part. The Church sought to unify the many immigrants by accomodating their national cultures under a hierarchy that was predominantly Irish. They were opposed by the Germans, but the Germans were limited by the fact that the Germans were not AN ethnic group but several ethnic groups speaking—more or less- the same language. Speaking English, the Irish could appeal to the second generation of all nationalities who wanted a more Americanized version of thei own faith. However, as the Irish themselves became assimilated, they —like the Kennedies—to model themselves after the Protestant Establishment. Breaking into the magic circle for them was an experience not unlike that of the Jews. And like the Jews, the Irish became less religious, and so began to lose their identity. The Proestant Establishment has since the 1960s secularized, and it seems to becoming the new normal for the top 20% of the population.
“But if you don’t respect your obligations to Christ and His Church, why would you respect your obligations to another person?”
Thought of the day.
I would say the five pillars of Catholicism are these. If someone asked me to explain to a protestant quickly what Catholicism teaches, this is how I would do it.
1. The Church is not a democracy. We do not vote on doctrine. Doctrine is divine, handed down by God. Doctrine is expressed, in equal measure, through Sacred Scripture and the Traditions handed down from the Apostles.
2. The Church believes that God created Man in his image and that life must be preserved from conception to natural death. Men derive their God given rights from God and are tasked with dominion over all the earth. Men are proscribed by duly established government insofar as said government does not deprive them of their natural rights.
3. The church declares 7 sacraments, all of which are universal throughout the church and permanent. They are Baptism, Confirmation, Communion, Confession, Holy Orders, Marriage and Extreme Unction. Marriage is between one man and one woman for life.
4. The Magisterium is formed from the college of bishops who themselves were ordained by their predecessors all the way back to St. Peter. The head of the magisterium is the Pope who has the authority to speak on matters of faith and morals infalliably through the blessings of Christ.
5. We believe in the unity of the Church through Jesus Christ the Son of God, who is the Son of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit. He was born of the Virgin, suffered, and died on the cross crucified by Pilate. He descended into hell, rose again and is seated with God the Almighty Father and promises his return. All who believe in him shall be saved.