Thank you all SO MUCH.

I think my one regret at this point is that I handled part of 'giving notice' rather badly. Understandable, since the state of mind and emotional condition was really unfamiliar to me.

I have known the priest for a good 6 - 7 years. His one reply was 'after 6 or 7 years - an email? get real.'

And he is right. He's only another human being, and my (understandable) selfishness, fear and the indirect and impersonal communication with him hurt his feelings, I am sure.

I'll make any amends I need to, and be accountable.

Also - the church community helped me through many rough times over the years. Now that many of those seem to be over and I am on an even keel - do I feel I don't need them any more? This bears some thinking as well.

HUGS and peace to all of you.