Why should I feel good about the Catholic Church?

[librarybook]

I am a lifelong Catholic and I was employed by the local Catholic diocese at a small Catholic school. While I was employed there, my mother passed away and, two weeks later, my mother-in-law also passed away. Two months later, I was informed by the principal that I was being laid off due to budget cuts. I do not understand how the Catholic Church can cause so much pain to someone at a time when that person is already experiencing such loss and pain. I have not been able to find another job; I have lost my income and medical benefits; and, because of my age, I will probably not be able to find employment. Please tell me why I should feel good about the Catholic Church after all of this.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

I am very sorry for the suffering you have experienced, and I pray that God will comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time.

I must say though that the Church is not to blame for your situation. Certainly, no one in the Vatican looked around, saw you suffering grief over your mothers’ deaths, and coldly decided to cut your job. What happened is that the economy in your area has taken its toll on all sectors of society, the local Catholic diocese included, and the school had to cut costs. So they eliminated your job. As difficult as the timing was, I ask you to try not to believe that it was done out of malice toward you in your grief.

As for why you should feel good about the Church right now, you can feel good about it because it offers to you the resources you need to keep your spiritual equilibrium during this difficult time: the sacraments, the intercession of the saints, the possibility of spiritual direction if you want it, etc. I urge you to talk to your pastor about your situation. He might be able to help you access social services in your community, and may know of job possibilities in the diocese that have not yet become common knowledge.