Nearly? It was nearly 20 years ago.
Today, I was having a conversation after Mass with a friend. We were discussing the changes to the Mass. Placing the Host in your mouth at the altar, bowing at the appropriate times and standing during one of the prayers. I remarked that I could see the part with the Host. This person went off about faith is between you and God and no one else. How people who objected to some of the sacriledge that goes on were just trying to pass judgement those committing the offenses. Blah, blah, blah. Faith is deeper than other people's judgements. I could but stare.... This person would lean over and get in my face and say that people who thought certain behaviors were required were wrong and didn't get faith.
Pop quiz: Who will that person be voting for on Nov 2?
Sometimes, I'm quite surprised by people who say they are Catholic.
Sadly, poor catechesis has resulted in this situation; that, combined with poor homiletics from many wishy washy priests.
Earlier this year, I watched helplessly as a Eucharistic Minister dropped a consecrated host on the floor, looked towards the pastor for guidance, received none, bent over, picked up the errant host, and redeposited it into her Pyres glass salad communion bowl. I buried my head in my hands, pleaded with our Lord to forgive her ignorance and also asked him to lead me to a "holy man, a valid liturgy and a welcoming community".
That journey began the following weekend, when I compiled a list of other RC parishes within my community. Thanks to a fellow freeper, I also included two Eastern Catholic Rite Churches. After several weeks of attending Mass at other RC parishes, the Maronite Catholic (Eastern Rite) Church surfaced on my list.
The Consecration was in Aramaic, using the language and words of our Lord at the Last Supper. Communion was by intinction - ONLY the priest distributes communion. It is dipped into the Precious Blood and placed on the tongue of the communicant with the words: "Receive the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, for the remission of sin and eternal salvation."
It has now been 7 months since I joined that parish. As a Roman Catholic, we are entitled to attend any of the 22 different liturgies that make up the Holy Catholic Church. The Eastern Catholic Rites retain the sanctity of the Holy Eucharist. I would urge you to explore your local community to seek out an Eastern Rite Catholic Church. You will find a listing by state at this link.
Faith is somethings which you cannot buy or sell. Nor can you merit of your own accord. It is not in diplomas...certicifates showing episcopal approval of one's diaconate, extraordinary minsitry of the Eucharist, ability to take up the collection, put felt appiques on the tabernacle, or teach.
NO! It is a gift from God - freely given. Some are simply belst with it from their earliest days, as one of God's gifts to them. Others not - they must pray, and earnestly desire to receive this gift, and its inherent graces.
The person who told you this has not faith. Certainly not in the same God you worship. They either never had it, or have gone astray and lost it.
Pray for their return to God. Show them the charity of brotherly rebuke of their erroneous views. Then if they persist in their sin, "let them be filthy still", and go your way.
Then at the great Day of Judgement, when they feign ignorance, they will be reminded of the humble testimony of a good Catholic, who cared enough for their soul to try to show them the way to the light of Christ.
Never give up the fight!