61. What We Loved Most From Our Catholic Upbringing (Even Though We Left)

We unpack the parts of Catholicism we still love and live by: the dignity of every person, preferential option for the poor, workers’ rights, solidarity, and care for creation. We get honest about where politics eclipsed the Gospel, why those same values led us out, and how community, ritual, silence, and values-based living still shape our daily lives—queer-affirming, neighbor-minded, and deeply human.

00:00 Small Group: Rose and Thorn

02:02 Positive Influences from Catholic Upbringing

04:12 The Value of Human Dignity

07:02 Reflections on Relationships and Complementarity

11:01 Building Community and Self-Sacrifice

13:07 Catholic Social Teaching: Core Values

19:04 Solidarity and Care for God's Creation

25:12 Community, Rituals, and Traditions

27:39 Navigating Spirituality Beyond Catholicism

36:37 The Importance of Silence and No Phone Time

43:24 Values-Based Living and Personal Growth