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Believing "Everything" about catholicism

I was talking to a friend who is seeking spiritual direction. (I would say I am too) Among many comments made, she said "Well you know I was Catholic at one time but there are things with which I do not agree. So out of respect for Catholocism, I would never practice it again." Her biggest issue with the Catholic church is its stance on homosexuality.

It got me thinking- I have questions about and do not agree with everything that Catholic doctrine says I should-- ie limited role of women in the church, birth control. So my question is-- am I being completely disrepectful to my church and religion? Do i have to believe "everything" to identify myself as Catholic.

Thanks for any insight...

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Permalink Reply by Mary Brazeau on March 1, 2010 at 3:33pm: A woman local to me had another great perspective (can't find her blog anymore) about the term Cafeteria Catholic. It was the very negative term for Catholics who knew the teachings but rejected them. Usually uised judgementally. She said she didn't mind being a cafeteria catholic-- she pictured going through the line and having EVERYTHING dropped onto your tray but picking your favorites first. Those favorites feed you. They are from God. Sure eventually you have to deal with the other things you've been just pushing around the plate but when you get there perhaps is when God is ready for you to understand that, or when he needs you to have that grace.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jane Jones on March 5, 2010 at 6:31pm: Hello Cheryl ~ I was just thinking that the most beautiful aspect of our Catholic Faith is the virtue of obedience. Our Dear Lord showed us His while on earth. In the tender and touching scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, He said, "Father, let this cup pass from me; yet not my will but Thine be done!" The New Age "Religion" is the one to choose if we want to feel good about all our beliefs. What a wonderful thing it is to have the Church to help us along the path of life to teach us how to go. Regarding the limited role of women in the Church, Pope John Paul II wrote the wonderful encyclical, Mulier Dignitatem. And regarding birth control, Pope Paul IV wrote Humanae Vitae. Both are wonderful encyclicals that will help shape and form you and me to be better sheep in our Lord's fold! Some people might say that if you are just sheeplike and obedient, you don't have a mind of your own. I personally feel so so good knowing that the pressure is OFF and I can just be free to love and to learn my whole life long! ! ! Obedience is wonderful. When I don't agree with my husband about something he is determined to hold fast to, I just defer to his judgement, offer it up to Almighty God and smile inside, knowing that when I stand before Him at the end of my life, I can say, "Lord, I was your servant. I was obedient ( even unto death sometimes, or so it seems! ) . Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. " :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Diana H. on March 8, 2010 at 12:16pm: I have a different take on the issue of women having a "limited role" in the Church. I know some awesome, powerful, fabulous nuns!!! Also, most of us women get to raise the future generation of Christian leaders-- now that's power! I doubt that Pope himself would have become the Pope (or even a priest) without a really fabulous, powerful, Catholic mama!!! Our role as Catholic mothers is UNLIMITED!!!; ▶ Reply to This