Post #2

 Hello Readers!

If you are just joining me here, I’m an ordained Catholic priest who opted to leave the Church a few years ago to pursue love, romance, marriage, and family.  I have a lot of stories to tell.

Posts here will be in one or more of these areas: Faith, Intimacy, Communication, or Memoir.  I'll address questions that are often not explained in the typical routine of going to Mass.  

Some examples:

FAITH

• During Mass, why are bells rung at the elevation of the host and chalice?
• Why do we stand for receiving holy communion nowadays—instead of kneeling—and why do some churches still practice kneeling?  Is it better to stand or kneel for Holy Communion?
• Are there alternatives to abstinence and Natural Family Planning that a married couple may have, as they plan the number and spacing of their children, and still be fully compliant with Catholic doctrine?

INTIMACY

• Are women really supposed to be submissive to husbands?
• Is there a theology for orgasmic pleasure?
• "My pastor told me that if my husband is viewing porn, it means that I'm not availing myself enough for intercourse." My thoughts and critique on this.
• What is "pre-ceremonial sex," how is it different from "pre-marital sex," and can it be acceptable?

COMMUNICATION - The heart of the Christian journey is, “What do you want me to do, Lord?” and “What are my spiritual gifts?”  The Enneagram is an amazing tool that can catapult your journey with Jesus by helping you to deeply know yourself and others. 

• Peter, the first Pope, was likely an Enneagram type SIX.
• Saint Francis was likely Enneagram type SEVEN.
• Tips for being in relationship with a type ONE (and TWO and THREE and all the types).

MEMOIR

• Excerpts from some chapters.
• Insights into what Celibacy really means for those in priestly or religious life.

I plan to post at least once per week.  I invite you to ENGAGE with me, by sending me your comments—let me know what you enjoy and what you may dislike. And please send any questions or suggested topics that I can address! This will help me to write meaningful posts.

— Father Paul

 Writer of upcoming memoir,

Always a Priest:  A coming-of-age story of sexual urgings and a love of the divine

In addition to the above three topics, I'll be sharing snippets from my MEMOIR.