What a great idea. Yes, I've met so many cradle Catholics who have shaken their heads when I mentioned with excitement that I was joining up. Some had even converted to other nonChristian religions. And what was so distressing is that so often there were stories about how they had been driven away by some mean nun or a blasphemous priest, or because they knew or had heard of some child who was molested. So, what, does that negate the basic truths of the faith?
Also getting hassled by friends (about-to-be-former friends, it sounds like) who are not pleased. Oh well. I'll pray for them.
“So, what, does that negate the basic truths of the faith?”
Amen, I don’t worship a priest or a nun or a friend, I don’t worship an organization, I worship the Holy Trinity through the Catholic church that, flawed as it may be because of the failing of humanity, is still the holder of the fullness of the faith.
Yes, many of the friends I grew up with have found reasons to leave: a mean nun, a priest was harsh with them during Confession, they wanted to remarry without the hassle of an annulment and were told “no”, and, of course, the terrible abuse of children. Personally, I think it has more to do with the fact that they were lukewarm and unwilling to do the hard work it would take to become faithful, informed and well-educated Catholic adults. That road involves self-denial, obedience, and diligence.
I never have been able to understand it. No matter what, I could never leave the Eucharist and all it means. Look at Mother Teresa: she lived so long in her dark night of the soul but she kept on living what she knew to be God’s will for her as well. We have to run the race to the finish.
I’ll pray for your friends— and you!