Ugh. That's awful. I also had to do the same thing (remember and recite the act of contrition.... "O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God..." etc etc LOL)

The priest wasn't terrifying at all, but the situation was! I don't think most Catholics are bad I just think the church itself is a little....misguided as far as scripture goes.

I really try not to judge. It's a personal walk with God and we all have our misguided moments, I'm sure!