As a cradle Catholic I truly loved my church. I said my First Communion would be the happiest day of my life, and it was. I participated in daily Mass for most of my years up to my mid 40’s. Went thru a divorce after a 20 year marriage to a man that was mentally ill and abusive. My church was very supportive thru those times. I then went to work for the church, my first Pastor (for 6 years) was an incredible man of God and the pastoral team fantastic. When he left there was a “reign of terror” from the next pastor, I stayed another 6 years, then moved on to another Catholic church and another Pastor that was identical to the former. I believed deeply in the work I was doing and stayed 12 years. But working for 18 years under two men whose main interest was money, power and control to mention just a FEW things witnessed, I began re-accessing what I actually believed in. I believe Jesus taught one thing and that is to Love, which means, do not judge or discriminate, be kind & caring. I don’t have the answers just my personal beliefs; that Priest should have a right to marry, Women have a right to be ordained, that birth control should be a choice, that Communion should be for everyone not just the “worthy”. I believe we should be more welcoming to/with people of other religions, we are ALL children of God, not just Catholics or Christians. I believe we should be more supportive of those going thru divorce, and those struggling with financial problems and addictions. I believe we should be still thru meditation and listen to God instead of doing all the talking. Less ritual and more contemplation. I don’t love God as much as I did as a child, I love my Creator God much much more. Being told what was right and wrong when I was a child was comforting because it taught me boundaries, I also like hot chocolate on a cold day because it is comforting but I know it is not what feeds my body the way it should, any more than rules and regulations feed my soul. Pope John XXIII was always my favorite Pope but Francis is now running a close second. I believe he truly is a man of God preaching Love, Kindness and Open doors to all. So sad to say the Church is so far behind him.

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