What happens when faith becomes more about control than love? In this episode, we kick off our High Control Catholicism series by unpacking the patterns of authoritarianism, rigidity, and fear that show up in certain corners of the Catholic Church—from the windswept plains of St. Marys, Kansas to the halls of Opus Dei and Franciscan University. We share stories from our readers, reflect on our own encounters with high-control dynamics, and explore how seemingly small practices, like the Marian consecration chain bracelet, reinforce a culture of conformity.This series isn’t about condemnation—it’s about naming what so many of us have experienced but didn’t always have language for. Whether you grew up in a traditionalist parish, encountered Catholic fundamentalism in college, or just want to understand how these patterns emerge, this conversation offers tools to help you see and speak about them. Share your own story in the comments—we’d love to hear from you. And don’t forget to subscribe for more deep dives on faith, power, and healing.Check out our longform written essay on St. Marys here: https://maxwellkuzma.substack.com/p/out-of-time-catholic-separatism-in