I love long comments! Confession sounds a lot different to what I went to, but then I was an exceptionally well behaved child who usually had to make sins up for the confessional, where a grumpy old priest decreed three hail mary’s and sent me on my way. Your point about the friendships is really important – I think there is a strong sense of community built around religion and those without an active religion have to work at building their own communities.

I remember learning in Western Civilization class at my Catholic high school that the reason we can eat fish on Fridays in Lent is because the Pope had a treaty with a fish-producing country… or something. From that point on, I sort of looked at it as a really good idea and a guideline, but when I accidentally stopped at Sonic for dinner on a Friday during Lent while running late to a competition and I didn’t see any pescetarian options… I decided popcorn chicken was the answer.

Love the line “and if that isn’t Catholic I don’t know what is”. So true.

I went to confession for the first time in 6 years this past year. I’ve got to tell you, I was impressed. I felt like I got free/good life advice that can actually help lead me towards a better life and somehow didn’t make me feel guilty when I left. I was impressed. If I could always guarantee that, maybe I’d go more often.

My favorite part about growing up Catholic was having an excuse to hang out with friends at catechism class on Sundays. My favorite part now about growing up Catholic is being part of the church choir (my home away from home family). So, it’s really all about the people you meet and surround yourself with as far as I’m concerned – oh, and that golden rule thing.

The book “Heaven is for real” was pretty awesome, I recommend reading it. For better for worse, it gets you thinking.

Clearly I failed at keeping it short. Sorry about that…

I think it’s interesting that so many people raised in deeply religious households abandon it when they leave home, I agree with the notion of the broad approach.

So the actual religion is irrelevant – we’ve all got ability to cling to the rituals when in crisis.

My goodness you can’t get more Catholic than that! I left the Catholic system in Year 6 to go to the public highschool (only two choices in a country town) and I still can’t bring myself to write no religion. You have truly come the full circle.