i dont reside in pa. i currenty live in the same state i was raised in. the church of my childhood was so much more liberal. i didnt know that at the time. i thought that was how all catholic churches conducted themselves. could it possiblly be the last pope? all the catholic churches in my immediate area are very conservative. my priest is a nice guy. i like him but dont share his views and have been offended recently. before christmas he was talking about a specific group of priest that recently have had charges pressed against them..crimes they supposelly did about 30 yrs ago. he said forgive and forget. it was strongly infered they fall under the priest that are petopiles. This is not something that needs to be forgiven. If they commitment a crime they should deal with the consequences. Also he said we all should have an open mind when it comes to thinking about the new pope. I like this new pope. He is shaking things up. For one thing he is much excepting of gay people. Which I think we are all the same in gods eyes..
it seems this area is quite conservative in the religion area. I am conservative in other areas. I just so sick of being so narrow minded in the way the church views many different subjects. Also I am annoyed the church as a whole really has not admitted much wrong doing with all the children who were sexually abused from the priest. The priest were just discreetly moved to a different parish. Probably do to the same thing.
I couldn't be catholic because I disagree with most of the dogma. Just because you were raised in a particular faith doesn't mean you have to stick with It. You're a grown up now. You get to choose a different faith.
I'm not being snarky at all when I say this. The more liberal Catholic church...is the Episcopal church. Check it out if you want to be in a community with more progressive views. I know many Catholics who have become Episcopalians over the past 10-15 years, including many of my relatives. I'm still Catholic but if I ever really got to a point of being offended, I would look at becoming an Episcopalian or Methodist.
I also suggest you try the Episcopal church. the service is almost exactly identical to the catholic mass.
down to the peace be with you and also with you...
we actually use the same calendar and have the same bible readings each week.
the episcopal church does not have a pope.. we do not pray to the virgin mary.. our priests can marry and women are allowed to be priests. the people are friendly.. I love my church..
If you want liberal Catholicism, I suggest you try the Episcopal church. I'm not Christian, but I have heard Episcopals referred to as "Catholic lite."
It took us quite awhile, but we visited several different parishes. Eventually we did find a Catholic church that we are very happy with. We've been with this parish for 13 years now, and it is home for us. I was becoming quite discouraged, but luckily found a place that feels right. We are also pretty socially liberal.
You're looking for the Episcopal church .... Trust me. I left the Catholic Church after the priest stood on the altar and declared people who had AIDS deserved it ... Didn't matter how they got it or how old they are. It was their punishment from God. So incredibly not what I believe. Went to the Episcopal church and found grace, love, and real forgiveness being taught. Haven't looked back ... Try it and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Best wishes on your journey to someplace you'll love.
I'm glad I came across this post. I was raised Catholic and am also having a hard time being at mass because I disagree often with what the priest has to say. It bothered me when he put down a Unitarian church, he'll also often talk negatively about any democratic candidate. I do love the new Pope, he is the reason I haven't left the Catholic church, yet.
I agree with everyone else here. Maybe you should try out a protestant church, instead of a catholic one. Protestants believe in the same holy Trinity as Catholics.
I don't see how that is "conservative" -- sounds more like WRONG.
Are you sure you won't look for another church?
I can't see attending a particular church and cherry picking beliefs, as others suggest...
Good luck!
Is there an Episcopal church in your area? You don't have to stop being Catholic, but you could attend the Episcopal church. They're often referred to as "Catholic Lite". Much more open-minded and welcoming than a conservative Catholic parish. It's worth a try...
I'm sorry that you're getting bashed for believing that pedophilia is not something to sweep under a rug. Good for YOU for being judgmental about it. SOMEONE needs to be. Otherwise, more children get ruined for life. It's people like you who have changed this terrible behavior in the Church.
Try various christian churches until one calls to you. One will, especially if you are seeking it out.
News flash: If you don't follow Catholic dogma, you aren't Catholic. And the only way to change the Catholic Church is to leave it. Money talks.
Find a church that is more in tune with your beliefs.
