My Mom grew up in the Catholic Church

My Mom grew up in the Catholic Church, “before the Second Vatican Council” as she says, however the only time I visited a Catholic Church was for weddings and funerals. According to my Mother not being a Catholic was unthinkable, being Catholic was married with being an American; however my Mom is no longer Catholic and her children were not brought up Catholic, Why? I had the pleasure of speaking with Father Ward, of the Immaculate Church of Mary, Harlingen, Texas. Throughout our conversation, I found myself understanding why so many people remain in the Catholic Church, yet questioned whether or not I would be able to become a member of the Catholic Church. One of the strongest argument for becoming a Catholic is the long term existence of the church. For nearly 20 centuries the Catholic Church has been around. The Catholic Church is 10 times as old as the United States, and in lease four times the age of the oldest Protestant denominations. I guess that should give Catholics a unique historical perspective; however today Generation Y, my group, is more involved and concerned with today and the growth of technology. We do not focus on the past problems with the English or with Russia. The good side of all this history, is the conversion of Russia about 1000 years ago, when the majority of people who lived under communism are now Christians. The strength in the Church and their history shows that those people once considered enemies are now considered our sisters and brothers in Christ. The Catholic Church has proven to withstand kings and emperors in democracies and dictatorships, under communism and capitalism with no fear to any political or economic system.
In ancient Rome, Catholics protested against gladiator fights and other forms of killing for sport, their monasteries were seen as a resting place for pilgrims and hospitals for the sick. The church fought against slavery, cared for widows and orphans and even march for civil rights in the 1960’s, yet they remain so prejudice and closed minded to others. With this rich history lesson given to me, I questioned why the Catholic Church seems so prejudice and determined to damn people they should want to save. They opened their arms to the communist; however slammed their doors on homosexuals. They state homosexual behavior is an abomination of Christ, yet they adopt a holistic outlook to encourage personal growth. The advantage of seeking personal growth in the Catholic Church is convenient, there is in least one Church in every town. If a person is willing to keep some of their life private, they are able to gain a big family quick. Society continues to change and become more accepting of things once considered to be bad. The convenience of belonging to church this size offers advantages in today’s fast moving world. Along with a church in every town, there is usually a church service every day. In larger cities, church service is held in several different languages, which is helpful in maintaining growth.
Father Ward pointed out the commitment the Catholic Church has to scripture, somehow offering this point as to the battle against abortion and homosexuals. My mother had warned me not to discuss anything concerning the behavior of priests, as my family is quite prominent in the Church. The respect I was advised to display at the risk of being able to complete this paper to my satisfaction made me question even more what hold the Catholic Church has on its members.
The way I understood the Catholic Church, a person must not only worship every Sunday but must change their entire way of life. The holiness the Catholic people seek requires conversion of the whole person, personality and spiritual health are achieved through a balance of prayer and actions. This seems like a great way to live and establish a relationship with God.
The things I was warned not to discuss; how the actions of their priests with young children can be overlooked and swept under the carpet, left me wanting to ask how they can use scripture to seek forgiveness for these people. The dysfunctional priesthood seems to be a secret but forgiveness seems to be a way of life, unless you are contemplating or have had an abortion or are homosexual.
The strength of the Catholic Church is admirable, after all they have survived for 2000 years. The overly controlling ways, dysfunctional priesthood, and obsession with politics does not make this a bad religion, especially when they help to make church convenient. A church in every town, with mass said daily, possibly in different languages helps to sustain their strong hold in religion. Their belief in confession and forgiveness for anything, does make this church somewhat inviting.