I too went to Catholic schools through High School.
Ironically, it was the High School experience that really woke me up to the hypocrisy of the organization.
We had several young, very hip for the times, priests and laymen as teachers and it was those that ultimately opened my eyes to the scam.
Of course, there were a few others who were much more conservative and unfortunately it was the latter group that held the power.
On guy, very popular for the right reasons, was sent away to the order's headquarters. This was after my sophomore year, 1970. This fellow was staunchly anti-war and attended many rallies (and concerts at the old Fillmore East for that matter) with his students.
He was also staunchly non-violent and he encouraged any student who was interested in pursuing Conscientious Objector status.
I thought that non-violence and being anti-war was entirely consistent with Christ's teachings. Apparently, a sizable portion of the conservative wing thought otherwise. Within a year or so, the priest fell in love with the chambermaid at the rectory and left the order to marry her! A few of us went to the wedding!
By my senior year (1971-72) the wheels had effectively come off the bus and sides had been chosen by both students and faculty.
I was taught to question authority and did so. I began to believe that the rites of the religion were just that - rites, and had little to do with the tenets of the religion. The gold, the elaborate vestments, the cathedrals and churches were bastions of privilege - many in the center of a rapidly changing New York City at the time.
I no longer consider myself to be a Catholic although I do occasionally still attend weddings and funerals in a church. I do not participate in the rites. I'm also close friends with a family who has a priest along them, and he's a terrific guy, but we don't discuss business.
Seems my suspicions have caught on. Many churches and schools are closing. The Catholic church, at least in the United States, has taken a hard right turn. Many practicing Catholics support one of the most amoral presidents this country has ever seen.
I have no use for any organized religion - they are basically social clubs and they no longer deserve a tax-exempt status.
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