Catholicism

[genghisfawn]

Originally Posted by Ciaran

I think that's a very important point in all of this. Although the Church has a rather complex and very hierarchical structure, faith is a personal thing.

Whether we agree with all or most or some of the Church's teachings and the viewpoints of those in authority at any given time in the Church, the Church is a channel through which some of us can channel our faith. In my view, it's not very dissimilar to someone being proud to be an American citizen but disliking the viewpoint of the incumbent President or the political structures of the USA.

I think that's a very useful allegory, Ciaran... it's true that while I don't agree with everything in the Church, we have to remember that the Church is made up of people and people are fallible. God is strong and God is infallible... this is why my faith and heart rest with Him and not the Church. This is why I pray and use intercessory prayer to confess and give thanks rather than rely on clergy. This is why I am still able to be Catholic.

[genghisfawn]

Funny story time!!!

So I'm visiting my bestie in the small, rural town where she teaches. She's currently doing RCIA in a conversion from secular Judaism. Their priest is visiting his mother, who's dying, so we had an itinerant priest from a local large-city seminary.

The Gospel was Matthew 4: 18-20 (ish) about Simon Peter and his brother Andrew leaving their boat with Jesus to be fishers of men. Somehow this priest totally twisted the thing around and gave this tiny town a grand homily on fornication, how you shouldn't lust for your spouse and how getting a boner just out of nowhere (which I'm assured that some people do) is adultery in your mind.

As we were leaving, Bestie's friend said, "How does becoming fishers of men translate into dildoes and internet porn?" I just commented on how itinerant priests always talk about sex because they can get away with it just by going home.

What was the funniest homily you ever heard?

[imadiva]

While I don't follow the "Rules" of the church .. I do go to mass because I find it a very peaceful place to talk to God.
My church is old and it's beautiful with dark wood and marble a very old school feel and it is just so quiet and you can feel a presence there. I take communion because I feel that I am at peace with God and I don't have to confess to anyone what I do. I won't hide who I am I want you to see me and my family. We are the only same-sex family the is out at my church and yes people sometimes stare or I' m sure comment but oh well get over yourself ..I am not changing my religion to please anyone .

[adorable]

I'm actually a bad United Methodist. However, I spent a year of Sunday's at Mass in Eastern Orthodox Churches. I was doing research and that is where the people I needed to talk to were. I couldn't understand the service because it was in Hungarian, Latin or Romanian (depending on where I was.) I must say that loved the history and rituals. I particularly loved the chanting and the various roles held during a service. The churches were all very ornate, beautiful and just stunning to look at.

[pajama]

If I am understanding, only a small part of your post...one problem is that you cannot take the eucharist because of the celiac. And can't request a special eucharist if you are not part of church. If this is the case, call around. This has become a very common concern in the church and I'd be surprised if you couldn't find a church that already has special waffers. Until you find your church home, and if you are wanting to take communion, go to one of those churches.

As a recovering Catholic, that's all I got for you.

A

[Rockinonahigh]

Im a recovering cathoilc,thats a big statement as I spent most of my educational years going the a catholic school.Once I was awed by the rituals and traditions of the church,but as I got older and I wasnt following the path of the other girls in my school I was handed to me that I would lead a very hard road if I contenued on my path.That statement was very confuseing to me at the age of 8yro cause I had no idea what or why they said that cause to most people I was just a regular farm raised kid who was a bit of a tomboy not one of the flameing girliy girls in school.My grand prents who were very hard core catholic saw no prob with me and were very open about leting me grow into myself.I am not shure how his came about but a two week summer camp trip became a two year time in a catholic convent school taught by the nuns,what came out of there was a prson who at one point beleaved wholy in the church teachings to a total rebelious one who had no use for it and have and still do feel the church failed me as a beleaver and humble child of God.I know when I got home there wa a prpblem at home between mom and my grand parrents that over the years never really went away.I suspect it had to do with my time at the convent school,never the less over the many years I just feel that the religion is way out of touch with the real worl and had not a leg to stand on because of the persacution it has put on people who it deems unworthy and ungodly.All i can say is they need to clean house before thet run anyone down cause over the centuries it has done some awful things to people in the name of god.
Obtw,I have no prob with Jeasus Christ,he was a good man who did good by many and spread the word of peace,love and careing for one another.I firmly beleave he was a mortal man who preached for the good of mankind just like countless other preachers who truely do good have done.As for a supriem being or higher athority I have a scientific mind that plays wars over this and will for a long time.

[StrongButch]

Check out my website Photobucket-Qconnection some catholic images.