Can I Be Catholic and Still Struggle with the Church?

I know, I know...being Catholic in today’s world isn’t always easy. You might love Jesus, believe in the sacraments, and feel at home in your parish…
But you also might wrestle with:

• Scandals in Church leadership

• Teachings that are hard to understand

• Past hurts or confusion about the Church’s history

• Feeling spiritually dry or disconnected from others in the pews

So here’s the question: “Can I be Catholic and still struggle with the Church?” The answer? Yes. Absolutely.
 

Faith Doesn’t Mean Blindness

Jesus never asked for fake devotion or plastic smiles. In fact, some of His closest followers doubted, questioned, and wrestled with Him (hello, Peter and Thomas). Struggling with the Church doesn’t make you a bad Catholic. It makes you a thinking Catholic - someone who takes faith seriously enough to ask hard questions.

The Church Is Human and Divine

Here’s a tough truth: The Church is both the Bride of Christ and a hospital for sinners. It’s holy in its sacraments, truth, and mission—but wounded in its members. If you’ve been hurt, overlooked, or disillusioned by people in the Church, your pain is valid. But don’t confuse the brokenness of individuals with the beauty of Christ’s Body.

Bring Your Struggles to Jesus - Not Just Twitter

It’s easy to vent online, deconstruct, or disengage. It’s harder - but holier - to take your doubts and frustrations to prayer, Adoration, or spiritual direction.

Jesus is not afraid of your questions. He welcomes them. “Come to Me, all who are weary…” (Matthew 11:28)

Stay Rooted While You Heal and Grow

You don’t have to leave the Church to process your questions. You don’t need to figure everything out overnight. Just keep showing up. Stay connected to the sacraments. Talk to a trusted priest or Catholic counselor. Read the saints - many of whom also struggled! It’s okay to wrestle. Just don’t walk away.
 

The Church Needs You - Even in Your Struggle

You might feel like you don’t belong. But your honesty, your questions, and your desire for truth are part of your calling. The Church needs faithful Catholics who are willing to love her through her wounds - just like Jesus does. So stay. Struggle, pray, grow - but stay.

You belong.