Anecdote
Called Mom, she answered said she’s at church at a sale, lamented that she learned today that they’re down to less than 1% of the population and how terrible that is. I didn’t ask for clarification but she meant attendance at the parish is low. She then moved onto asking me how many crucifixes I need for the home. I politely replied I don’t need anything thank you. She scoffed and then asked if I want St Michael plaques to protect the home. I had only said Hi at this point aside from replying to her first question because she had launched right into this topic. So I replied with Happy Mother’s Day instead of answering the question directly. She then replied with OK, you’re not ready yet.
I do care about my mother and wish I could have a relationship with her in her old age that is deeper than weathering her tireless heavy handed attempts to promote Catholic lifestyle beliefs and culture onto me. She doesn’t see this life as important, only a trial to get into Heaven, which I feel is such a shame.