This had almost immediate practical results in the failed ParishSOFT implementation, which would have relied on lay volunteers in each community who had some experience in implementing business software, as well as individuals at the chancery level who could offer planning and policy guidance. So far, my understanding is that Houston is still having difficulties on one hand figuring out how much the individual communities get in income, and on the other collecting its tithe on these amounts.
Leaving everything else aside, if the laity can't carry its weight in time, talent, and treasure, the enterprise is not going to survive. If the people who are attracted to Anglicanorum coetibus are limited to the perennially dissatisfied, or misfits who didn't work out at a succession of Anglican parishes (or who indeed came to Anglicanism only after multiple turns on the denominational carousel), there will never be the pool of capable laity the prelature will need.
My regular correspondent points out,
As we discovered, the Davises' funding of Msgr Steenson's academic appointment at St Thomas University and the construction of the Chancery, as well as financial contributions to OLW, were of major importance in getting the OCSP off the ground. Are they still being as generous? If not, the OCSP is probably feeling the pinch. It is crucial that they ensure that Houston is not being stiffed in regard to the cathedraticum, but even if the uttermost farthing is forthcoming we are looking at a total congregational membership equivalent to a large diocesan parish, but with many more expenses.If the clergy themselves are mediocrities who've reached the OCSP only after multiple turns on the denominational carousel, I'm not sure how anyone can expect them to attract or inspire the sort of laity who can keep the enterprise going. But also, if the laity don't support the community to the extent that they can't offer their priest a reasonable opportunity, it will be precisely the better-qualified man who can move on.Most of their clergy require an additional source of income beyond any stipend the group can offer, and as the older clergy, with their TEC, military, and other pensions retire and have to be replaced by younger men who need (week)day jobs this will be a bigger headache. I think the Ordinariate will be much more selective in who it ordains going forward, if only for this reason.
Of course, as we have seen, often an abler man discovers that his diocesan assignment offers better prospects and a more satisfying ministry than the OCSP, and he seeks excardination, leaving the Ordinariate with the marginal players. And of course down the line the Ordinariate will be responsible for them in their retirement.
