I am a wife, mother of five, and have a career as a microelectronics engineer. I was raised in a "Christian, but not really" household and at a very young age became a virulent atheist. Reflecting on those years, it is probably more honest to say I was anti-Christian. So much so, that I actively advocated not allowing Christians into the realm of public discourse. I maintained this posture for more than two decades.

A lot has occurred since then and I will leave that story for another day. Ultimately, I ran aground a wise and thoughtful Dominican priest who patiently worked with me through my many objections and difficulties. This was after I launched an expletive-laced tirade against him. Through a process that was uncomfortable and frequently painful, I reluctantly embraced God, Jesus and the Catholic faith. Now I try my best to be a faithful Catholic.

Since I now find myself defending Church teaching on a regular basis to my own friends and family, I thought I would post those defenses publicly for two reasons: 1) The practice. The kind, coherent and intelligent answers to the questions I asked were essential in opening me to the truth of the Catholic faith and I would like to share it as it was shared with me. 2) To receive constructive feedback of those answers. I've only been a Catholic for a few years, and I know I still have a lot to learn.