I am a lesbian, born and raised Catholic, from a loving family of parents who raised 7 children, who came from families of 7 or more children….also Catholic….from the Midwest diocese of St. Louis…..born in the 50’s and aware of my gift in the 70’s….I received welcoming and nurturing counsel from the Newman Center run by Vincentian Fathers…..on return to archdiocesan parishes I received support and acceptance from the group Dignity….. Archbishop John May provide offices in our diocesan headquarters……later in the 80’s after Archbishop May and others became victims of a severe “right” turn of political fervor by the “right to life” hijackers….this I believed caused a great chasm …..in the 1980’s thru today …..in the role of ministry of the faithful in parishes around the country…..We have been polarized….lied about…mistreated and even killed for the ignorance that persists in the name of God….by those who know better than most the Truth of the Nature of God……I was a Catholic school teacher until my “controversial” beliefs…not practices….caused a group of teachers and parents to begin the process of sabotaging my career with fear mongering and innuendos…..for political purposes…..my pastor and principal tried to be supportive but in the end the process was causing so much stress…..my health became a concern…hate causes stress…even if it based on ignorance and lies…..I chose to leave but the rumors and toxic waves of gossip continued to plague that parish school for years after…..Several people contacted me to apologize for the behaviors of others and encourage me to continue my vocation to teach…but the damages to my family required I not return to a position where so much scapegoating may be heaped on one perceived as weak and unable to protect others…..I have forgiven all involved and pray everyday for the Church and leaders within to come to Jesus….My last hope is for this Jesuit Pope…..Pope Francis…..for the love and leadership needed to bring an end to the great chastisement that is ravaging our Church…!!!