Parishes are hearing a lot about evangelisation and I would like to know how the laity are supposed to move forward and evangelise the young who have lapsed (and, indeed, adults too) when our bishops will not listen to us or take on board ideas and plans for the future of today’s Church. The frustration of priests such as Fr Tony Flannery (News from Britain and Ireland, 14 January) in Ireland and of your former editor Catherine Pepinster (Editorial, 17 December 2016) and the priests who write letters also expressing their disquiet, is felt by many.

Most of our Catholic congregations are aged over 50 and when we die there will not be any young Catholics, as most of our young adults are not the slightest bit interested in a Church that ignores the reality of daily difficulties. Pope Francis is doing his best, but he needs support.