Growing up Catholic

 Growing up Catholic in the 1950’s taught me how important it is to go into places of worship to hear the beliefs of other religions and how important it is to value mature love wherever I find it. I’ve realized that the Pope and I can disagree. I’ve realized I need to catch up on all the cursing and masturbation I missed. I’ve realized that the Baltimore Catechism was not written for adults. I’ve realized that love was a more effective motivator than fear. I’ve realized that fundamental human truths were embedded in Catholic rituals, images and artifacts. I’ve realized that what I was taught could be lived in many unexpected ways.