i thought this was great. as someone who knows little about catholicism it did make me wonder though; if god wants to be with all of us, what is the point of this institution of humans who do their best to come between you and god through their interpretation of the divine intentions? why would you need to wait for others to come around and approve what you already know to be true?
of course, i think that trying to change the church from inside is an awe inspiring task if only because it seems like the only way to change the views of those who consider themselves catholic. renouncing catholicism while the church is drenched with homophobia would never help those who are still struggling inside. i thought the part about your love for the church was beautiful. and "grumpy parent" does seem to reflect the situation more so than "abusive partner".