Thanks, John.  This comment string been a long slog and, of course, we get down to those who say "if you don't accept ...(whatever that person considers some kind of key issue)... you are not Catholic. " 

But I am, no matter what they think.  There is much beautiful in this faith, much that helped me come to love God and try to know what is good and right.  But, like  tens of millions of Catholics all around the world, I don't buy all the hierarchy says, I don't accept as infallible or perfect what is taught, no matter how erudite the philosophers and theologians.  

John, I am willing to listen, willing to have them present what they know and understand.  I do listen - there is a lot of wisdom in the Church.  But I am not willing to just buy it.  We so desperately need dialogue and an openness to seeing that good people don't all walk in lock-step in their journey to God.  I believe there are many forms of being a good Catholic, even if the powers-that-be don't agree.