Just Because...: To Go Back or Not Go Back

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

To Go Back or Not Go Back - That Is The Question...

I'm not one to be all preachy, but when asked my religion, I state "I'm Catholic". After all, I was born and raised catholic with 12 years of catholic school under my belt. (Where else did I learn to swear, get in trouble, smoke – I kid, I kid) However, due to differences in opinion with one *interesting* priest (we’ll call him Father H.), I departed without thinking twice. I was in High School at the time and Father H. felt that he should tell me the night before Confirmation that I was not going to be confirmed. His reasoning was that my parents "didn't use the envelopes and contribute enough to the church". However, should my parents WISH to contribute more, he'd make sure I was all set for confirmation the next day. In my opinion, it was a shakedown of sorts – a version of Sopranos - Western Mass style *LOL*. See, my father was a Catholic but my mother was not. However, she went religiously, she was the head of the Catholic Women's Club, taught Sunday school, helped with the Youth Group, ran the Craft & Holiday fairs, etc. However, per Father H. – my parents did not give enough. My father refused to use the envelopes and would only put cash in the basket. Every week, he put a good amount of money in that basket and gave much of his time and my mother's time, but still - my parents did not give enough.

Needless to say, that night, I told that priest my opinion of him and the PTB at the parish. Normally my parents would have put me on blast for it, but they stepped back and let me start fighting my good fight. I guess this priest wanted a new Caddy to go with his other one. So yeah, the Catholic Church and I have had some issues. Father H. has since passed, but his parishioners remember him, and not always so fondly.

PayPerPost asked Catholics and former Catholics to review a site - CatholicShow.com. I listened to a show of theirs, giggled at the term "holiday Catholics" (those who only go on Christmas & Easter) and thought the host, Bill Fitzpatrick made some valid points. I will be honest and say that in the beginning, I wasn’t too pleased with the Church's choice of Popes, but that doesn't stop me from thinking about going back. I feel that I have to have faith in the Pope's leadership and remember the good that John Paul II did. As I'm originally from Massachusetts, I know that a lot of the priests there have had "issues" so to speak (including the priest referenced above) and really choose to not discuss that. However, I also cannot penalize myself (or the Church) from returning due to the actions and words of a man of the cloth without the Church's best intentions. Last time I was home, I was able to get my church records from my old parish and talked with some great people who acknowledged Father H.'s errant ways. So, I've been thinking about two churches here in Orlando that I might call home, and am currently thinking about going back. For now, I just think that it's gonna take baby steps. But I can tell you, I'm not going to be a Holiday Catholic. Maybe, this show might fire me up enough to really start actively seeking getting involved.

Catholic Show

**This Post has been brought to you by PayPerPost. My opinions, experiences and thoughts are entirely my own**

Posted by Lys :: 7:02 PM :: 0 comments

This Page

Just Because...

Wednesday, November 15, 2006