Opinion

Why I left the Catholic Church

I grew up in the Catholic Church; however, it seemed like I was Catholic by inheritance only, as no one in my family prayed before meals, read from the Bible, or even discussed God.

You went to church because you were supposed to go to church. I attended Catechism classes every Sunday until I turned 13 and received my Confirmation. My teachers were often frustrated with my perpetually raised hand to ask questions like: Why can’t women become priests? Why can’t priests get married? Why do I have to go to confession instead of talking to God directly? And why did it seem like God was always angry?

In my mind, God was a lot like Santa Claus. I envisioned him sitting on a motorized cloud (after all, he had a lot of sky to cover) in order to keep tabs on when I was good or bad. Once I left for college, Catholicism had become more about politics, rules and exclusivity than my connection to God. The hypocrisy I felt every time I stepped into a Catholic Church knowing I didn’t agree with much of their doctrine caused me to walk away. I knew at some point I would find my spiritual home.

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As I walked to brunch on Nov. 5, 2006, this still, small voice directed me to Unity of New York’s Sunday service. From the moment the minister began his message, I knew it had somehow been written for me. Learning I was one with God and God was Absolute Goodness, which was inherent in me, made sense. Knowing God did not punish, was not vengeful, and was accepting of everyone was my “You see!” to Catholicism. On that day, I found my spiritual home and a new way of life. I shifted my consciousness toward limitless possibilities and the manifestation of my Divine Dreams by aligning my thoughts, words, actions and emotions.

For the first time in my life, I allowed silence to enter and developed a meditation practice. From this silence came the realization of my personal mission, vision and life purpose. If you ask me why I left the Catholic Church, I’ll tell you it’s not about the scandals. It’s that the rules and dogma of the church took me further from God, rather than closer. Yet, as my spirituality continues to grow, I have found that the resentment I felt toward the Catholic Church no longer exists.

We are all spiritual beings living a human experience, and we are all doing the very best we can with where we are on our respective paths. My spiritual journey has led me to my Absolute Truth, and I live it daily with exuberance!

Michele Mattia is the founder of Life Design, designingyourdash.com