Why I Remain Catholic

Diversity Dimension: Religion

Yesterday I went to a chicken barbecue dinner and boutique event, an annual fundraiser for the religious community where I was once a member. The event is a big draw because it also serves as a grand reunion for families and former students. It was a real hoot seeing so many people I once knew when there were only three television channels.

I saw an old friend who asked me if I was still Catholic and how I was faring in the diocesan turmoil of consolidating and closing parishes. She clearly must have recalled the renegade nature of my youth. I was honest with her and said that I believe myself to be Catholic by cultural and by ritual. I stayed focused on my local parish (that was divinely spared the cuts) and on living out the gospel values. I paid more attention to church with a small "c" than the Church with the capital "C". She understood and felt similarly.

When I got home I continued to think about why I remain Catholic. I do believe that there are other faith traditions that represent more fully my thinking about social justice and diversity than Catholicism does. Although I love my faith family, I could also probably find another fabulous faith community with whom to worship. Then I was struck my the fact that I know a lot of really great priests and nuns. They break most of the stereotypes of priests and nuns in a good way. I witness the full expression of my values for diversity and inclusion in my priest and nun friends who are into this Catholic thing much deeper than I am. My priest and nun friends give witness to gospel values and represent for me what being Catholic is about. I value their friendship for they represent for me what being Catholic really means. By their witness they support me to remain Catholic.