Roman Catholics believe in transubstantiation which means "the bread and wine are actually transformed into the actual body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ, with only the appearances of bread and wine remaining." If you do not believe this, you should not receive Communion in a Catholic Church. It's not hypocrisy. It's doctrine. It's not like the priests are handing out snacks. It's the Body and Blood of Christ. I have attended weddings at Lutheran and Episcopalian Churches and would not consider receiving there because it is not my faith.
If you are really interested in who can receive Communion in a Catholic Church,
here is a good website.
Roman Catholics also believe in faith and good works for salvation and the infallibility of the Pope.
To answer the question the thread poses, I never walked away from my faith. I didn't attend Mass for many years, but now I do. I have also been fortunate with having good priests.