#53 pangor 09 Oct 2005 17:21
During my childhood and teen year, our churches were like all of yours too.
After that, everything started to change. Now most parishes don't even have a single priest, instead they will travel to a church for one mass a week and then when mass is over the clear the building and lock the doors. It is so different now, from when I was little.
On the inside of the doors I have seen a signs that read "This door to be kept lock at all times except during business hours." The first time I saw that it was so strange to me, that I froze and stared at it. It made me feel very sad, and a little lonely. The bells, statues, alters, etc are disappearing from our churches.
I hope this is true for only our local diocese, but I fear that it is more widespread than here alone.
Pangor