Whys about Vatican II

Attempting to answer  questions posed by a young Catholic about about events in the Church after Vatican Council II has to be somewhat experiential rather than theoretical: I mean we can only offer possible explanations, not firm facts. Accepting the inadequacy of such information these are my responses:

The jump in vocations after the Council reflected an enthusiastic response to the immediately evident changes, particularly in the celebration of the Liturgy in the vernacular and the involvement of many in the new ministries to which the laity were called. The Liturgy particularly opened up the richness of the Scriptures to many unfamiliar with them and the joyful celebration of the Eucharist accompanied by contemporary hymns involved the whole community in the prayer of the Church.  Leadership of such a vibrant community was extremely attractive to an idealistic young Catholic.

The departure of many from the active ministry of the priesthood was influenced by many different motives.