Shadows of Our Catholic Church: Remaining as Catholics in Spite of Our Church and the Abuses by Our Clergy

Jesus was a Jew. Why are some of us "Catholics"? What is a "Catholic"? How has abuse been allowed to exist within the Catholic Church ever since its inception? Why is any abuse within the Church accepted, tolerated, or even possible? When clergy harm any member of our church family, the entire Church is harmed. When do we become ashamed of "indifference" within our Church and stop being merely "bystanders" to abuses by clergy? No matter the form or the magnitude, abuse is abuse. Through their clerical abuses, clericalism, and lack of authenticity, clergy destroy their credibility as "priests." It is then that members of the laity are compelled to walk away from the Church they deeply love. To continue as a true "Christian" in the religion of one's choice, where does one go? What does one do? As true "Catholics," we are called to deepen our love for God by not being afraid to ask questions or to question our faith. Who do we say God is? What do we believe in? Rick shares personal experiences and witness with brief history points and insight of our Catholic Church, praying to encourage and challenge others to embrace "parresia," an awesome term used by Bergoglio with the conclave prior to being elected as Pope Francis.We are all this beautiful and blessed "assembly" which is our"Church," where everyone should feel welcome and loved; and no one should ever be abused, feel intimidated, ignored, excluded, or afraid. Shalom!