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[wombat2u2004]

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.'

That's ok. I know it's easier to send an email than to go thru the trauma of direct confrontation. But sometimes it's better to do it that way, because you can really speak your mind and not be swayed by the replies to your concerns. I'm sure you spelt it out the way you felt, and I think he should understand that.

[Marigold2]

A church is a business. Most people don't look at it that way but they are, especially if they have schools to run as mine did. It's a business, they want money and some are shameless in asking for it.
A church is also made up of good and bad people as any business is.
Those people in the church that are your friends can still be and you can still see them as you choice.
You might not worship in the same building or have the same beliefs but friendships should not if they are true need to be of the same faith or belief.
Many people have changed their minds on the churches teaching as we have grown in technology and wisdom.
Most people I have found only follow some not all of their churches teachings. I know at this point of no Catholics who do not practice birth control that is forbidden by the church. That does not make them bad Catholics it makes them wise people who only have children they can afford or want.
The Lutheran church I was a member at said the earth was only 5 thousand years old. THAT WAS THE DUMBEST THING I EVER HEARD!
And yet........................... When the pastor said this I saw heads nodding believing............... I was speechless and then after the shock I figured they were too far gone to talk sense into so I left them to their ignorce and keep my mouth shut. I truly wanted to throw a fossell at them but I figured it would go over their head..............
I am still friends with members of my former church, three people in fact. One Dr and two nurses, only one the LPN is still there the other two have moved on.
But that is really my point, you have not lost friends, you are in the process of making new ones and of learning and growing and letting your soul sour. I hope you enjoy this very exciting and rewarding time in your life.

[Queen of Poop]

Perhaps you're not leaving for good, just taking a little break. Change is hard, don't I know it, but you will find the right path for yourself eventually. I'm here if you need anything.

[Pinot's Mom]

Candace, I know the process you're going through, and it is hard. I broke with the Catholic Church as a whole several years ago. I was raised Roman Catholic; it was all I knew, but so many things had piled up I could not accept. I, too, was going through the motions. That break, and joining PCUSA, has been great! The church I attend is lead by two forward thinking people who I respect and can talk to very easily. I have made wonderful friends and started singing again after many years. My faith is secure in this environment.

You are on a path which only God knows where it will lead. Trust it, trust Him, and you'll find your way. Good luck in this search, revel in the journey, have faith. You know where I am if you need me.

Maggie

[Catherinedana]

Finding your path is all part of living and I believe that you are not truly living if you are not changing. Take your time in finding a community that is right for you.

"I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy." Oriah Mountain Dreamer

[Marigold2]

A lovely post.

Candace, I know the process you're going through, and it is hard. I broke with the Catholic Church as a whole several years ago. I was raised Roman Catholic; it was all I knew, but so many things had piled up I could not accept. I, too, was going through the motions. That break, and joining PCUSA, has been great! The church I attend is lead by two forward thinking people who I respect and can talk to very easily. I have made wonderful friends and started singing again after many years. My faith is secure in this environment.

You are on a path which only God knows where it will lead. Trust it, trust Him, and you'll find your way. Good luck in this search, revel in the journey, have faith. You know where I am if you need me.

Maggie

[momcat]

I was raised Roman Catholic and even managed to survive 12 years of Catholic school (which is why my son went to public school). There are things I can no longer accept and never thought twice about cutting all ties. No regrets.

About 6 years ago I joined the Presbyterian church a few blocks away. Ours is a small congregation and Pastor Alice is a 24/7 pastor, always there and very easy to talk to. I love the spirit of inclusion at Bethany and along with being actively involved with a few committees I became a Deacon. I love my church but there is one problem. The hymns drove me away from service. They're annoying, intrusive, disruptive and distracting to where the service has lost its value and meaning. All my attempts to work through this were in vain, from the reactions you'd think I was some kind of heretic. There are several churches that believe in a scripture based eucharistic service without the uninspired product of men who arrogantly believe they know how God wants to be worshipped better than God does. Can't get to any of them though. Even though service is no longer possible, I'm still actively involved and still have a wonderful relationship with Pastor Alice.

There are options out there for you. I understand the conflict you're probably feeling right now. Give yourself some time, God will take you where you need to be.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Candace

I am sorry to see you hurting so much right now but what I will say is that "G" is right by your side guiding you through this difficult time