Thanks for reading and sharing your Catholic story, C.A. Yes, this one was hard to get out but I am glad I shared even the imperfect version. I think a follow up providing more light version might be cool. Like I said, being a writer can really suck because we seem obligated to uncover things very painful to share.

But if it helps just one other person...I think I can mix the fun (with the painful sides, too) part of Catholic school and sports and the church parts next time. I have pride in like Catholic Service tradition - I volunteered in they Eastern Kentucky hollers building houses during college and was a visiting ambassador to the awesome doctors who work for Catholic Relief/Caritas in Guatemala.

Your experience sounds really close to Sister D., a nun, teacher and close family friend. She hit her head constantly against the male religious hierarchy. I think she would admit that her decision to be a lifelong nun was a regret, even though she is so important to our family.

Religion is important to provide structure and routine. But I think most of us fall off, if we don't find an accepting community that has rules but common sense, too. Father James Martin, SJ writes a lot about LGQBT being now included in the Church (I follow him on Instagram). Those Jesuits have provided me hope both in the past and in the present.

Thank you for reading and being a fellow Story Nerd. I look forward to reading you and sharing religious and spiritual ideals - in a world that needs them desparately. Have great evening. Am following you!