Catholicism & Me . . .

I grew up in Roman Catholicism. I was baptized, confirmed, made my first confession and communion, was born again, and was baptized in the Spirit as a Catholic. And, contrary to all the anti-catholic myths out there, I read the bible and bible stories from childhood, had regular Catholic school classes in bible study, along with but separate from the catechism classes, and voraciously read the works of the early Fathers and the lives of the saints. I was naturally curious, loved to read, and wanted to know everything I could about God, Jesus, and the history of Christianity.

In grade school I joined the church choir, and regularly sang and worshiped at funerals, weddings, solemn religious holidays, and feast days. This is not to brag. I had some pretty strong incentives.