I am reading Kerry Kennedy's book "Being Catholic Now" and

[chieftain]

strongly recommend it. It is a collection of essays by Catholics and former Catholics concerning the impact of the religion on their lives. Ms. Kennedy writes a particularly moving preface which captures the wonders of growing up within the constant presence of Holy Mother Church while introducing the question so many of us grapple with as adults- the love of our faith existing side-by-side with disappointment in the institutional church. I guarantee the book will educe emotional connections no matter how long suppressed.

[CBHagman]

1. I read part of the interview with Gabriel Byrne.

And I'd like to read the other segments of the book.

The portion by Byrne interested me a great deal, and less for the revelations within it (which I won't give in advance for anyone who isn't familiar with the book) than for what he says about his own beliefs at this point. Let me warn you that this is a troubling essay, for all that Byrne isn't particularly incendiary in his language.

[Zuni]

2. sounds very good

I love the Catholic Church---many of the best people I know are faithful Catholics and I love the Mass, the Rosary and the feeling I get when I feel closer to God. But, often the hierarchy of the Catholic Church can be very frustrating to say the least, although I have been blessed enough to live in a Redemptorist Parish that has some wonderful clergy.