[metmom]

*sigh*, yes some of my closest friends and co-workers were Catholic, very dedicated practicing Catholics.

I have neighbors here where I live who are the same, as I see them going to church in the morning as often as they can.

The Catholics I worked with went to many different parishes as they lived in a wide geographic area.

I have relatives who were priests and a nun and one relative in law who was a nun.

My experience is not limited and other former Catholics on this thread state the same experiences.

[Cronos]

1. Of course, not all of those you linked the post to(1000 silverlings; Alex Murphy; Belteshazzar; bkaycee; blue-duncan; boatbums; caww; ) are not ex-Catholics (I'm pretty sure Belt, caww and boatbums are not, though those are my opinions, so could be wrong)

2. saying have seen many who practice this behavior does not necessarily mean:
 1. All believe this
2. anyone outside the group you have met or knows of believes this
3. This is set doctrine


What you may have observed does not mean that that is set doctrine and it does not mean that All practised what those you observed practise. For example, on this very forum you have many Catholics who do not fit your observations

you cannot paint us with the broad brush of your observations and as I pointed out -- you cannot assume doctrine based on your observations.

in Mass for example, we have praise and worship and all mention and direction is to God alone (Mary is only mentioned if she's in the gospel readings and perhaps in the sermon)