I’m sorry for your loss. There’s nothing stupid about the recognition that you’ve got good people in your life in a time of tragedy. That’s part of what makes us human.

This pastor was Episcopal. My father was raised in that religion but then converted to Catholicism when I was young because, well, he got left out at church all the time because my parents had to agree to raise us Catholic after they were married, because they had to get permission. All because my father belonged to a faith that is almost Catholic, but not quite. He could not receive communion, and I think he wanted to be there for his boys. So he went through two years of classes just to be be able to do something from which there was no real reason for him to be excluded in the first place. I mean, when I made my first communion in second grade, I don’t think I understood transubstantiation.

I don’t know how I feel about the Catholic Church anymore. In some ways, I miss the celebrations and holidays. I miss the music the Friars would sing and being in the folk group. But if I sit back and reflect on what I actually believe, my head spins. :)

I don’t want to push anything on anyone, but I will say, religion is the fundamental reason for nearly all wars throughout our collective history.

I cannot speak for others, but, as a confirmed former-member of the Catholic church, I find the constant hypocracy impossible to ignore.
My memories of Sunday church include overhearing women critiquing other congregation members’ finest attire, and divulging suspected, or confirmed affairs being carried out by other parishoners–the parents of my classmates. The glint in their eye was easy to recognize, even as a child.

Forgiveness and mercy have no place in the Catholic church. Neither does consideration or toleration of anything of anyone considered different.
I could go on like this forever, but I believe my point has been made. I do not want to spark a controversy here on your blog page.
I am inspired by you for taking the high road, and not laying into those stupid hillbillies at the funeral. I would have gone nuts on that lady who stood behind you. And the incredibly incosnsiderate priest, who will never touch as many people as you will! A child would have shown greater respect than these idiots! I will toast my wine, here, to the fact that you will (hopefully) never have to see them, or any of the Pig’s ridiculous family, ever again!
Remember the good things about your Pop, and forget those silly losers!

Have a nice day & good luck to you, Johnny!