One more Did you know...

I recently learned that there was a time in the history of the Catholic Church when they (we) were forbidden from reading the Bible. HUH? I repeat, HUH??!! This is supposed to be the word of God, yet don't go lookin' yourself. We will select gospels and other readings for you people. I reason that they saw this as an easier way to control the herd. Heck, no wonder I had never been pushed into reading it. Of course, forbid a person and he/she will want to do it all the more, no? So, all of a sudden, my late-in- life reading of this document has the delicious coating of naughty rule-breaking.

On Saturday,I found myself sitting in a group of parochial school graduates of 1969 (my husband's classmates). Father Larry was sitting next to me. He was their one token clergy from the tiny graduating class of 36 or so. One woman asked me this:

"Val, do you still attend St. Bridget's?"
"Oh, no, not for a long time."
"Really. Where do you go?"
"Well, uh, I don't any more."
"What?"
"I am no longer a church-goer." I am sooo aware of Fr. Larry beside me!
"Why not?"
I glance down at my watch. "Gee, how much time have ya got?"
Uncomfortable laughter from the group. By now all 5-6 people have turned complete attention to my every word.
"No, really, why not?"
Now, at this point I am most uncomfortable, feeling the need to justify my soul.
"Well, I have many many issues with the Church. It's cliche to say, but I am not religious, but extremely spiritual."
Then I invited all to check out my blog if they are that interested in Valerie's beliefs. When I looked brilliant by informing them that historically Catholics were banned from reading the bible, Fr. Larry nodded and muttered agreement. I most appreciated his kind stillness in not morphing into Jerry Fallwell. He seems like such a lovely man. A few sentences later, I made my move to end this discussion since we weren't going around the table with everyone else's most private views.

Confession #111: I do miss the community of church.

Confession #112: I feel closer to God having eliminated the "middle man."