nico no I've not always been religious, my parents are now religious but didn't used to be as far as I know, they were very proud when I told them and pleased for me and yes, you can marry and have children in the CiW unless you choose voluntary celibacy.
Yes, the selection process is extremely hard. There are two in my province. A diocesan one and then a provincial one - normally 6 months to a year apart. That's not to mention the years leading up to the first selection which you spend training and sometimes even placements. Then it's usually 3 years from provincial until your ordained a deacon. Plus a theology course of at least 2 years (up to six if you want the degree). The selection itself is a full day with 4 interviews for the first one and 3 days with 8 interviews, group exercises and daily observations for the second.
Coco
I picked it up at the age of 18.
Ha! So sorry but your second question made me giggle 
erm... I'm not sure to be honest. They could have existed and they might not have done. I'm not sure! I'm neither a creationist nor an evolutionist - I simply take the stance that I do not know and don't have all the answers. I do often ponder why the flying ones aren't still around like the water ones apparently are (or at least their close relatives). Plus, if they were wiped out why only the land ones? I do also think it's possible that the word dinosaur was simply a different creature to what we imagine them to be today. Who knows
In terms of the festivals, I don't have an issue with it. I think it's great to tweak things that can't be celebrated to something good that can be 
Finally, yes I think religions would still exist today. Most people pine for something missing in life no matter how happy they are, I believe that pining is usually for God who is said to have placed that on our hearts in the first place which would explain why so many people with good lives feel unfulfilled.