text: "I did know that the Roman Catholic church did not have a monopoly on the Holy Spirit, or the Gospel or the life of faith"
  It's sad but not surprising that some disparage your story Thinking Sister.  The quote above from your post reminds me of the question I have resolved: If I leave the RC Church do I leave my baptism behind? Of course not.  And it simply adds to my faith that the redeeming Jesus leaves no-one behind. I believe He breaks the bonds of time, space, not to mention culture and religious persuasion.