I can't say I'm all that thrilled about being a Catholic these days, either - especially an American Catholic in what is seemingly becoming the Church of Trump. I've been a lay leader in my congregations all my life, ever since I left the seminary in 1970. I keep working to right what's wrong, and wondering when I ought to give up. And I certainly don't deny that terrible wrongs were done at these schools.
It's a question of how long do I keep trying to fix the boat before I jump ship. I'm outspoken, and I'm often on the "wrong" side of authority. But I have many Catholic friends who depend on me to keep on keepin' on. A nun told me this week that I "have a talent for stirring up the pot" - and she cheered me on.
-Joe-