Catholics in Crisis

[Kelly71]

Happy holidays everyone,
I have been a practicing Roman Catholic my entire life. Over the past year, I seemed to have lost my faith--primarily over a newly surfaced incidence of sexual molestation from my childhood; not by a member of the clergy, but by my then-best friend's father.

This man, all of a sudden, started attending Mass at my church. It bothers me terribly that he and I are on "equal footing" so to speak when it comes to receiving the Eucharistic sacrament. It doesn't seem fair to me. I understand that God is a forgiving God and that he may have made amends, but I still have to deal with this every day of my life. I feel incredibly betrayed by a God with whom I used to share a personal relationship. I feel like I want this man to be shunned and humiliated and flogged and beaten and . . .and . . . and . . . you know what I mean? Not welcomed as my brother in Christ.

I thought this post would be a survey of sorts of disgruntled Catholics. It has, however, become a rant of my own.

Anyway, in the last year, I have given up the Eucharistic sacrament and have sporadically attended (though not participated) in Mass. I feel like the last thread of my faith is gone and there's nothing left.

Peace to all of you in your holiday celebrations.

Kelly

[Irishmommy]

Unless it's public knowledge, there is no way that the priest, who is, after all, human, can know what that person has done. It is (I believe) usually left up to the individual whether they are "eligible" to receive communion.

If he has confessed and received absolution, then unfortunately, he has every right to receive. I still think, however, that people like that will get theirs from God when they die, if not before.

Don't let him win - he's taken enough from you without getting your faith too. Hold on to your faith, even if it means changing churches.

[SomedayMom]

I don't know if I can help since I am no longer a disgruntled Catholic....I am a pretty liberal Catholic who likes to work to make the changes I see as neccessary...

Is your abuser a known sexual predator? He may be at mass every Sunday but that does not mean he is in good standing with the church...does the church even know? And it certainly doesn't mean he is in good standing with God. Be assured that you and he are NOT on equal footing, no matter what HE may believe. I agree with the previous poster...don't let him win, don't let him take something else from you that is important to you (your relationship with God).

I know that's it's easy to become disgruntled with the Catholic church with everything over the past year, but remember that clergy sexual abuse is not exclusive to Catholicism nor is it more prevalent in Catholicism than in other denominations. Our world presence as the largest and oldest Christian denomination makes our happenings gather more publicity. It's something that MUST be dealt with and we should be fighting to make sure that it is dealt with in a way that makes the incidence of abuse in Catholicism decrease to as close to zero as humanly possible.

I also take heart in a few things about my church...that their view of pro-life includes opposing the death penalty, that the Catholic church does more to help the poor than any other church, and that (at least where I grew up) they help without trying to convert. I am, however, a Catholic in a VERY conservative, bible belt city. We are the minority here and I have developed a whole new appreciation for my church when surrounded by what I am surrounded by...and also heartened by knowing that the largest and best charity organizations in this city are run by the Catholic church, which is a definitive minority (4 churches in a city of greater than 250 churches).

[DaryLLL]

(((hippymama2B)))

So sorry for the abuse you have come to realize happened. Are you in therapy? I'm guessing you suffered deep harm, which can color all areas of your life, as it is impacting your faith.

It is not the church's fault you were abused. But I can certainly see how you are uncomfortable worshipping at your particular church now, when he is in the same room. Ick!!! You don't feel safe.

Could you talk to a counselor? Or even the priest? Or both. Whichever you think would help you more. It is a heavy topic, that of: he is a criminal, and abuser, but now is apparently feeling pure enough (having confessed his sins or crimes or not) to take Christ into his body and soul every week. And what does that mean for those who really do struggle with ther sins?

Best wishes as you heal.

[applejuice]

I was raised Catholic also.

I changed my religion when I reached adulthood. I realize that G d only knows what is in someone's heart. The clergy are just trained humans and have their foibles also.

Beware of men in robes. Priests and Judges alike.

[lilyka]

I think you should talk to your Priest. I am assuming what he did to you remained a secret. If it happened to you it could be happening to other kids at the church even now People in a pace to protect them need to know that he is dangerous. After that I would find a different parish to attend. It does you no good to see him every week.

[merebear]

(((Kelly)))

You were victimized in a horrible way by a man who did a horrible, horrible thing. You have every reason to be in such turmoil. Please do seek out sound, sensitive counseling to help you in your struggle with faith.

One thing to remember about forgiveness is that one must be truly repentant to be forgiven. If this man went to Confession but wasn't truly sorry for abusing you, then it didn't "take", so to speak. If he was truly sorry, then he needs to try to make amends with you. Have you considered confronting him? Maybe saying to him, "I see you receiving Holy Communion and I'm wondering if you ever repented of molesting me?". My goodness, that would be so frightening for you, but maybe it would help you to feel like you have nothing to be ashamed about... he is the one who should be standing there squirming and feeling uncomfortable.

Sweetie, God didn't betray you... this terrible man did. God has been there with you every moment. Jesus wept when he saw one of his precious children being hurt. Every grace you've received to help you cope with this abuse has come from the God who wants to heal that wound in your soul. That terrible man exercised his free will in the pursuit of evil and he will be held accountable for that.

Run to Mary. She's your spiritual mother who will never let you down. She loves you with the tender protectiveness of a mother and she will gently lead you to her son. And he's waiting for you in the Eucharist. Never let anybody rob you of that great gift.

[ameliabedelia]

Please don't let this man ruin your faith. Right now is when you need God the most. And he is there for there.

Who knows if this man has repented of his evil or not, that is between him and God. However, sin NEVER occurs in a vacuum. His sin hurt you terribly.

I second the notion that you should talk to priest or a counselor. If necessary, change churches.

Maybe this man did repent and is truely sorry, and will never jurt another girl again. Let's hope so. Maybe he is still sinning and doing terrible things. If so, than that is a terrible sin for him to be recieving the Eucharist. Either way, God will judge him.

You need to work on healing yourself.

My advice for you is Pray, Pray Pray. Pour your heart out to Jesus. Go sit in front of the tabernacle and pray, cry, whatever you need. Talk to Mary, she is a women, and understands your pain. Seek comfort in her arms, (the very same arms that comforted Christ)


Hugs and Prayers

Amelia

http://mommyforlife.com

[EFmom]

My advice is to start checking out other churches. I was raised catholic, but between the misogynist and antidiluvian treatment of women, the abuse of wealth and power, and the current penchant for protecting child abusers at the expense of the victim, any regard I might have had for that institution is long gone.

Once you get past the "one true church" brainwashing, you just might find a faith community that will rock your socks. We've joined a United Methodist church now, but there are also other denominations that suit us well. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have my five year old daughter squeal with delight when the bishop comes for her annual visit. "Look Mom, Bishop Susan is a woman!" So much better than her questions when we went to a catholic church and she noticed there were no female priests. "Mom, why does Jesus not like girls?"

[SomedayMom]

OK, I'm pretty new around here, and I don't want to insult anyone, so please don't take it as such.

But EF mom, I find your blatant Catholic bashing a bit insulting. You are 100% entitled to express your opinion, but have some respect for those of us who are Catholic. And this particular thread does not seem the right place for bashing as we have a woman who has been through a lot and is struggling with her faith in God overall...insulting her lifelong belief system seems inappropriate.

Please let me know if this is inappropriate of me to say, as I truly don't mean to offend.

[EFmom]

Someday Mom, I'm sorry you feel insulted. Maybe I misunderstood the original poster, but she asked for input from people who became disgruntled with the catholic church. It would seem to me that would include those of us who were raised in it, but who found that there are many other perfectly fine churches out there, which are far better suited to our needs. I do believe the emphasis on the "one true church" theme damages a lot of people. I put up with a whole lot of things that I knew in my heart to be wrong for a long time because of it. That's not to say that you find those things wrong--they might be perfectly fine for you.

If it speaks to your condition, that's wonderful for you and I hope you are happy.

[SomedayMom]

I see where you are coming from. There are certainly many fine churches out there and finding the one that fits you is important. I suppose I don't see exactly the problem with the "one true church" thing as every denomination I have studied believes they have more truth than the others (otherwise there would be no need for different denominations)...the Catholic church does not teach that other denominations are wrong, just that we are most right, which seems to me what every denomination teaches. In fact, I've never heard a Catholic condemn say...a baptist to hell, but I have been condemned to hell by a baptist. I suppose we just had different experiences growing up. We all have. I did struggle a bit in college, and examined what I really believed, and I have stuck by my faith b/c it means a lot to me. I felt better trying to be a force for change than leaving. But I certainly see your POV. I live in a very "anti-Catholic" area where I am told I will rot in hell pretty frequently, so I'm a bit more sensitive than the average person I'm sure.

I'm sorry for going off topic...I'll shut up now

[merebear]

I'd like to timidly raise my hand as one who was insulted by EFmom's post. I'm a young, hip, devout Catholic who studies the faith for hours each day (unless someone is sick or teething) and I do not for one minute feel that it is "misogynistic" or "antidiluvian". I also happen to believe to the bottom of my soul that the Roman Catholic Church is the one true church and as a convert, I don't believe that I was "brainwashed" one bit.

I understand that you wanted to share your perspective with hippymama and that your perspectives are different from mine. Onward and upward. Great. I'll defend to my death your right to share your views. But surely you could have done so without making those of us who are Catholic look like Stepford-esque idiots.

[waldohood]

I, too, was born and raised Catholic- even wanted to be a nun for a while. But after numerous tragedies in my life, not to mention an inner voice that took exception to the fact that all R.C priests are men, and that "God" is always a "He." I got away from it-- eventually I started to consider a more pagan path. But a funny thing is happening-- as I walk the Pagan path more, I am appreciating the Catholic parts that are, in fact, based on Pagan roots. However, I still am left empty when I try to figure out WHY I have had three miscarriages AND three other loved ones died within an 18 month span, and I still take issue with only male priests and the always male God. Do any of you struggle with this? And, if so, how do you seek to find resolution? Thank you!!!!! (I hope this all makes sense. I do not want to offend. I am just struggling and I really want to hear what you have to say)

[Momx5]

Hippymamma, I too have been the victim of sexual molestation. We need to speak to someone, priest, pastor, counselor, whomever it might be. Someone we feel comfortable with. It's an awful situation you have found yourself in. Hang in there!! For me it was my step-father. I wake up at night now and am unable to get back to sleep. Stress, I guess... I'm sure the insomnia and my past are directly related. We need to get help and talk to someone. AND PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!! Only He will get us through.

[Kelly71]

Thanks for all the help. I guess it's one of those things that eventually time will heal, or at least scab over. Peace to all of you on your own spiritual journeys.

[DaryLLL]

Originally posted by waldohood
I still take issue with only male priests and the always male God. Do any of you struggle with this? And, if so, how do you seek to find resolution?

Waldohood--

Hi. As you know, I ain't no Catholic, but, as to the all male hierarchy in the Christian church--I do have some insight that might shed some light.

When Paul wrote his letters, it was obvious he respected and valued women and their spirituality. He mentions many by name. Women were active in the early Christian church--they performed rituals of initiation, and there are hints they even performed baptisms. Paul traveled with a woman he called his wife, altho it was a platonic relationship. But she was his equal in Christ.

Soon after xianity was "invented," it began to be co-opted by men who wanted to use it as a power base. (These were the early days of the Roman Empire, remember.) Verses were added to Paul's authentic letters, saying women should be quiet in church. Then whole letters/sermon style tracts were written and attributed to Paul. These letters described the setup of bishops and deacons and laity that the Roman church uses today. But these directions were not a part of Paul's (or certainly Jesus') ideas of how we should worship God. If you get a hold of a copy of the Oxford Study Bible, all of these explanations are in the footnotes. Very enlightening and empowering!

You can see Jesus respected women too--read all those Marys as one woman and get a nice picture of a whole person. (tidbit--Mary of Magdala, not John, was the beloved disciple.)

If you study gnosticism/mystical xianity, you will find a goddess in Judaism/xianity. She is called Sophia in Greek, which means Wisdom. She is found in the Apocrypha (eg: the Wisdom of Solomon), and is said there by God to have existed with him before the creation. Whenever you see the Holy Spirit or Wisdom mentioned in the Bible, read: Sophia!

There is a book available called _The Other Bible_. In it are the other Jewish/Christian books rejected by the Roman Church. The Dead Sea Scrolls, The Nag Hammadi Texts, the Apocrypha, etc. They fill in the gaps and make many of the contradictions and inconsistencies in the accepted bible make more sense.

I wish you a piece of Sophia! And peace.

[applejuice]

I am a former Catholic;

I do not want to judge anyone, nor do I want to tell anyone how to believe, but the Church did allow priests to marry in the first millienium.

The Eastern Orthodox Church does allow their priests to marry to this day.

There are some orders in the Western Church that does allow their ordained priests to marry to this day however.

It seems to me that it was economics that was one deciding factor. If the Church does not have to provide for a priest's family and only for the priest, then money is saved for the Church, especially if the priest is only working for the Church.

[DaryLLL]

I have also read that married with children priests, bishops, and popes, were favoring their children over the laity. Priesthoods, real estate, material wealth of all kinds, etc were being passed down from father to son.

[waldohood]

Wow, DaryLLL-
you know a lot about alot. I am always impressed with what you know. Thank you for sharing.

And thanks, too-- for the peace. It means alot.
Namaste,
Michelle