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Let me clarify some things. I grew up in the Catholic Church. I attended Catholic grade school and high school. I went to mass every single day, including summer. I said the rosary in Spanish (goes well with Latin) starting Ash Wednesday to Easter, on my knees in front of the statue of Mary at my grandmothers house with at least 20 others; kids and adults. We lived across the street from the church, convent, school. When I went to church, every morning before school, and in the summer. I heard Latin and did not understand it. If I tried hard I bet I could say the whole mass myself. We did not have English translation missalettes.

I do not want to go into details, but I grew up in a very abusive home, only to go to school and receive abuse there. I believe there were nuns who while intending to please God, make sacrifices so hard that lead them to take it out on others, many others. Priest too. I found out later that the priests were harming nuns in many ways, including not allowing them to have enough to eat, which leads to this vicious circle of dysfunction.

When I was in high school the church was changing; not so traditional. But the damage to me was done, so I stopped looking for God. I “did” what was expected of me, but in my heart I believed God did not care.

I was angry for many years, but in my early twenties I realized, they are just hurting people like me and forgave them and put it behind me just as I forgave my dad.

When my husband was stationed at Pearl Harbor Sub Base I decided to reconnect to God. I taught CCD and then again when we were in Omaha. It was in the church I was baptized in that I was told I should not have or read a bible. I wanted to learn more about God and His word. I know now God was hearing my prayers, even when I was little, because I was searching for Him. I believe had I not had all those terrible things happen to me I would be a whiny liberal today. I left the church after much study and prayer. All the different churches I went to at the time could not and would not answer my questions. I was always respectful, but not given respect or understanding back. I took it as a sign from God that He had different plans for me. I was right. By the way, today many Catholics Churches have bible studies, in English, to help people to learn more about God.

I respect the churches’ recent stand against abortion, homosexuality, and the evils of this world. I did not blame the whole church for the scandals that developed from some evil priest who either sexually abused children or those who protected them. I think Pedophiles use churches, many different denominations, to get close to children. On the other hand it really breaks my heart that the church I was baptized in, my mom too, is very anti-conservative. At their festivals , they allow democrats to speak, but not republicans. I'll let God deal with them, all I can do is pray for them.

When I said I was bored in church, it was because I really needed Him, but I only heard Latin or repetitive prayers. When I learned about all the martyrs and how many died because they would not turn from God I thought I had my answer. I use to pray that God would send someone to martyr me because I thought that was the only way for me to get to heaven. After all, everyone but my mom was mad at me and thought I was a bad person; even God, because he did not stop what was happening to me. I'm not looking for sympathy, because what happened to me brought me to where I am today. I know I am right with God. I know He loves me. I am continuing to learn his word and truth.

No, I do not believe you must be Catholic to go to heaven. I do think there are many Catholic who are going to heaven, but only God knows who they are, we are not to judge our follow believers.

I do care who is elected Pope because I have many Catholic friends. I still love the church in many ways because there were many kind nuns; some I still keep in contact with today. I want to see all Christ followers look to Him and His will for us and our country. Just like Obama is leading people away from God's truth, a good Pope can lead people to God and His truth.

I don't know why I'm telling you all this, but I do hope we conservatives can see we all are seeking the God of the bible. You may do some things I don't agree with and I'm sure you don't agree with some of my beliefs, but when it comes down to it, what we think won't matter, only what God thinks.