By Stephen P. White, The Catholic Thing - Every pastor is responsible for his entire flock, whether they show up on Sunday or not. And attrition rates being what they are, and Mass attendance being what it is, it makes sense that the Church expend no little effort trying to reach – or at least show solicitude for – those who, for whatever reason, have drifted away... But I’d also want to keep my eyes on what is actually working – and make every effort to have more of that. A good shepherd always goes after his lost sheep. Presumably, even the best shepherd would prefer his sheep not to stray too far in the first place.