Wow, I just kind of stumbled on this topic and I'm glad I did. A lot of interesting viewpoints. I am yet another Catholic who "walked away from the church" for many of the reasons already mentioned. It's nice to know I'm not the only one because for a while, it sure felt like it. Who knows, maybe I'll be back there, I think I just have to continue my search and not just stick with something because it's what I was brought up to believe.
I went with my family to mass on Christmas Eve (if it'll make them happy for a moment) and the Pastor got me so angry. The pews were full and he decided to take up a second collection to reduce the parish debt (understandable)... BUT he looked at the basket afterwards and said, "THAT'S IT?! YOU SHOULD BE GIVING TO YOUR CHURCH FIRST AND YOUR FAMILY SECOND, CHRISTMAS ISN'T ABOUT MONEY AND GIFTS." I'm sorry, but that's over the line. What about being grateful for what is being offered?!
