American and Catholic: Stories of the People Who Built the Church

by C. Walker Gollar

The Catholic Church in America was built in the missions of the West, the slums of New York, and the heartland of the Midwest by ordinary believers forging extraordinary lives. C. Walker Gollar tells their stories, which become the story of the Church. American and Catholic tackles difficult topics such as slavery, the treatment of Native Americans, martyrdom, the role of women, and immigration in a balanced and nuanced way. From the time of the first European explorers to the twenty-first century, it offers glimpses into the long, sometimes painful, and always changing life of the Church in the United States. The book includes illustrations, maps, and photographs, a comprehensive bibliography, questions for discussion, and an index.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2014

Reviews

[Dennis J. Waszak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical narrative of the American Catholic church

This was a wonderful book on the history of Catholics in the United States. It provides a clear and unvarnished narrative on Catholics and the Catholic church from the beginnings of this country to present day. The author provides an honest and full description of the key events and people involved with the Catholic church throughout the history of the U.S. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In AMERICAN AND CATHOLIC, C. Walker Gollar, provides an excellent historical narrative of the development of the Catholic church in north America. Professor Gallor discusses numerous topics including formation of the American church, immigration, establishment of religious communities, education and transition from the time of first European explorers into the changes of the church through the twentieth century. This is a valuable resource for any inquisitive American Catholic.

[Theresa Doyle-Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book ... enjoyed learning some of the random and miscellaneous details about American Catholicism! Learning that Kentucky, right behind Baltimore was a strong Catholic hub was particularly interesting. Feel inspired to visit the basilicas there sometime!
Enjoyed the vignette-style of writing; made it feel less like a reference book and more like a relaxing and enjoyable read.