Joe says: "Catholics still excommunicate members, but they're much more polite about it nowadays."

Bill says: sorry, Joe... but that makes me alternately giggle and sigh.


Joe responds: I think my usual response is grinding my teeth, but sometimes I'm able to muster up some gallows humor.

Luckily, the political machinations in Rome and in bishops' offices have very little effect on my life in the Catholic Church. I belong to a congregation of nice people who hold me in high regard (with the occasional exception of the pastor, with whom I have a love-hate relationship). I work at a women's center where people think I can do no wrong, and I'm an associate member of a community of Mercy nuns who treat me like a prince. And I'm on my way home from a Los Angeles gathering of 40,000 Catholics that gave me some solid intellectual and spiritual stimulation - and a lot of fun and good music.

So, all in all, my experience as a Catholic is very positive.

-Joe-