I went through some of those same things when I attended the Catholic Church for seven years. I went through RCIA and baptism and became a Eucharistic Minister. But that's where the church left me. Because I was a former Evangelical, they would not allow me to volunteer in any teaching position. The Evangelicals had turned their backs on me because I became a Catholic. I finally realized (after deconstructing) that although my faith had changed drastically, it was still there. I love the mystery of it now. I no longer need certainty, church attendance, or volunteering, or fear. Great piece, Ilona.
I don't think I knew you were Catholic at one point. You really ran the whole gamut, didn't you? I'm glad you landed in a place of acceptance of your journey and where you are with God. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your painful and enlightening journey with such honesty here. As a Lutheran pastor, I can assure you you're not alone. The deconstruction work can bring wonder. A saying I appreciate is that the opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty.
Hi Hans! My dad was also called Hans, short for Johannes. Nice to see that name cropping up in my feed.
It is a comfort that I am not alone-thank you for that, although few really share how they feel about Catholicism, or religion in general. I always thought Lutherans were a more chill version of Catholicism, although I never explored it. I recently attended an event at a Unitarian Univeralist church, and I have to say i liked it!
"The opposite of faith is not doubt but certainty." I will keep that one in my pocket. THANK YOU!
I’m a recovered Catholic too. I was raised in the church but it never really resonated with me and in the end there were just too many things I disagreed with politically, institutionally, and spiritually. I did join a UU church for many years. I loved the minister and community and the fact that all of us seemed to have differing beliefs and spiritual journeys.
I haven’t been part of a church since moving out of MA. UUs take the summer off (boy, did this blow my mind as a former Catholic!) so it’s not an option in RI and in FL I never got back to it post- COVID.
I will say that when I have occasion to be in a Catholic Church (weddings, funerals, even traveling/touring), there is something peaceful and therapeutic for me in the environment. I attribute this to just the comfort of childhood familiarity.
I’ve wished many times for the gift of faith but I am too worldly and cynical and smart for my own good, perhaps. I do know that I am not the Higher Power though, lol!
P.S. That priest that blamed you was an a**hole. There are lots of them out there. Lots of good ones too, but definitely not him.
I went through some of those same things when I attended the Catholic Church for seven years. I went through RCIA and baptism and became a Eucharistic Minister. But that's where the church left me. Because I was a former Evangelical, they would not allow me to volunteer in any teaching position. The Evangelicals had turned their backs on me because I became a Catholic. I finally realized (after deconstructing) that although my faith had changed drastically, it was still there. I love the mystery of it now. I no longer need certainty, church attendance, or volunteering, or fear. Great piece, Ilona.
I don't think I knew you were Catholic at one point. You really ran the whole gamut, didn't you? I'm glad you landed in a place of acceptance of your journey and where you are with God. Thank you for sharing.
Hi, my friend!
So much of what you wrote resonates with me! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us!
Aw, thanks Cathy! I am glad we are vibing together and that you enjoy my sharing.
Thank you for sharing your painful and enlightening journey with such honesty here. As a Lutheran pastor, I can assure you you're not alone. The deconstruction work can bring wonder. A saying I appreciate is that the opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty.
Hi Hans! My dad was also called Hans, short for Johannes. Nice to see that name cropping up in my feed.
It is a comfort that I am not alone-thank you for that, although few really share how they feel about Catholicism, or religion in general. I always thought Lutherans were a more chill version of Catholicism, although I never explored it. I recently attended an event at a Unitarian Univeralist church, and I have to say i liked it!
"The opposite of faith is not doubt but certainty." I will keep that one in my pocket. THANK YOU!
So true! - “That’s how it works. They don’t have to lock the door. You lock it yourself.”
Looking for our identity outside of ourselves is not the answer. Each of us is already enough.
Thank you, Yvonne! I wish it hadn't taken so long to realize that we are already enough.
I’m a recovered Catholic too. I was raised in the church but it never really resonated with me and in the end there were just too many things I disagreed with politically, institutionally, and spiritually. I did join a UU church for many years. I loved the minister and community and the fact that all of us seemed to have differing beliefs and spiritual journeys.
I haven’t been part of a church since moving out of MA. UUs take the summer off (boy, did this blow my mind as a former Catholic!) so it’s not an option in RI and in FL I never got back to it post- COVID.
I will say that when I have occasion to be in a Catholic Church (weddings, funerals, even traveling/touring), there is something peaceful and therapeutic for me in the environment. I attribute this to just the comfort of childhood familiarity.
I’ve wished many times for the gift of faith but I am too worldly and cynical and smart for my own good, perhaps. I do know that I am not the Higher Power though, lol!
P.S. That priest that blamed you was an a**hole. There are lots of them out there. Lots of good ones too, but definitely not him.