Being Catholic Now: Prominent Americans Talk About Change in the Church and the Quest for Meaning

by Kerry Kennedy

For Kerry Kennedy, who grew up in a devoutly Catholic household coping with great loss, her family’s faith was a constant source of strength and solace. As an adult, she came to question some of the attitudes and teachings of the Catholic Church while remaining an impassioned believer in its role as a defender of the poor and oppressed.

“Generations ago,” says Kennedy, “the search for spirituality came predefined and prepackaged. [The Church] not only gave us all the answers, it even gave us the questions to ask.” Now many of the old certainties are being reexamined. In an attempt to convey this sea change, Kennedy asked thirty-seven American Catholics to speak candidly about their own faith—whether lost, recovered, or deepened—and about their feelings regarding the way the Church hierarchy is moving forward.

The voices included here range from respectful to reproachful and from appreciative to angry. Speaking their minds are businesspeople, actors and entertainers, educators, journalists, politicians, union leaders, nuns, priests—even a cardinal. Some love the Church; some feel intensely that the Church wronged them. All have an illuminating insight or perspective.

Kerry Kennedy herself speaks of the joy of growing up as one of Robert and Ethel Kennedy’s eleven children, of the tragedies that eventually befell her family, and of how religion was deeply woven through good times and bad. Journalist Andrew Sullivan talks about reconciling his devout Catholicism with the Church’s condemnation of his identity as a gay man. TV newswoman Cokie Roberts recalls the nuns who taught her and “took girls seriously when nobody else did.” Comedian Bill Maher declares, “I hate religion. It’s the worst thing in the world”—and goes on to defend his bold assertion. Writer Anna Quindlen depicts a common parental passing along traditions and values to a younger generation sometimes deaf to spiritual messages.

Through these and many other voices that speak not only to Catholics but to all of us, Being Catholic Now redefines an ancient institution in the most contemporary of terms.

From Being Catholic Now

“When my mom asked if I wanted to be a nun, I said I’d rather be a priest. . . . The nuns were always wonderful, but the power was with the priest.” —Nancy Pelosi

“There are aspects of studying the saints, with the candles, incense, and Latin Masses and some of the pageantry of the Church that, as an American historian, make me feel part of a larger wave of history. That it’s not a newfangled religion, which some people get great solace from. I feel that I’m connected to places.”
—Douglas Brinkley

“Faith isn’t like picking courses off a menu. It’s a journey, and it’s a path. If your path and journey have been within one structure your entire life, then simply leaving isn’t an option.” —Andrew Sullivan

“Why stay Catholic? Because the hierarchy is not the Church. . . .We [the people of God] are the Church. They can’t take that away from us.” —Cokie Roberts

“I was told very early on by the nuns that I had an ‘overabundance of original sin.’ I was a quiet kid, but I was curious. I asked the wrong questions.” —Susan Sarandon

“I don’t believe you can be authentically Catholic without being committed to the social doctrine of the Church. When I was in grammar school, we had these little boxes to help the poor. That was good, but that is half of it. The other half is to find out why there are so many poor people and how we can do something to help them.” —Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick

“I am reconciled to the oblivion that is coming. I see no proof of anything else, if it is a matter of faith. I admire people who have faith in God. It must be a great comfort to them, but I had to get out from under the fear and the guilt.” —Frank McCourt

“I went to church and the door was locked. I was knocking and ringing the bell. I waited and waited and nobody came. [The priest thought] there was an emergency, because of all the banging and ringing. He looked down at me and said, ‘What is it?’ I said, ‘I’m sorry to bother you, Father, but I’ve been away from the Church many, many years and I’d like to come back. I’d like to go to confession.’ He looked at me and something behind his eyes said, ‘You came to the right place.’ He knew that it was an important moment for me; he got it instantly.” —Martin Sheen

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Essays, Christianity, Catholic

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Mary Kerry Kennedy is an American human rights activist and writer. She is the seventh child and third daughter of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel. She is the president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, a nonprofit charitable human rights advocacy organization.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was really interesting, and have found myself bringing it up in random conversations (always the sign of a good book, I think). The author conducted a series of interviews with a variety of Catholics and former Catholics. The range of Catholics/ex-Catholics interviewed for this book is fascinating -- Nancy Pelosi, Martin Sheen, Bill O'Reilly -- a variety of folks doing a variety of things from a variety of political perspectives. I thought some of the common themes the interviewees brought up were compelling. One of the things that came up a lot for many of the women interviewed was the sense that Catholic schools trusted girls/women to be smart before they were allowed/trusted to be smart in society at large...despite the fact that women can't hold leadership positions in the Catholic church itself. Many also spoke of how being a Catholic has influenced their perspective on the world, particularly when it comes to issues like poverty and social justice.

What I like about this book is that it treats Catholicism as both a religion as well as a significant part of your cultural heritage...it seems to accept the premise that, regardless of whether you go to Mass on Sunday, if you were brought up Catholic this is an important part of your identity that doesn't ever go away.

I liked reading the stories of many people who have questioned the hierarchy/authority of Rome (particularly given evidence that the Church has so terribly messed so much up) but have never doubted the belief that individual parishes and individual Catholics are doing a whole lot of good in the world.

My one complaint about this book is that the chapters are told in interviews, rather than essays, making the writing a bit halting and strange. I would have rather seen fully executed, polished essays from each of the interviewees rather than a transcription of their words. Still, I'd highly recommend this book, particularly for Catholics, former Catholics, and those interested in politics/current events.

[Ozma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little cynical staring this book. A book of essays compiled by a Kennedy progeny. . .what were the chances of this being a fluff contribution to the season's sales figures? But I was surprised. A lot of the essays are serious contributions to the challenges of being Catholic and are honest about the issues Catholics and the Church need to confront. Each essay, in closing, answers the question of: What if I were the Pope? It's interesting to see the different answers. And, as a Catholic school graduate who takes some pride in her education, it was disheartening to see how Catholics, in varying degrees, have given up on their church leaders in one way or the other. But the devotion of Catholics to help the poor comes out through and through. There's some unnecessary Muslim-bashing which Kerry Kennedy would have been wise to edit out, and which I didn't appreciate. But the essays by a variety of notables, like Bill O'Reilly and even Bill Maher, make for an interesting read and a frank portrait of a faith challenged.

[miteypen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book includes contributions across the religious spectrum: non-believers, those who were raised Catholic and have left the Church, including a convert to Islam, and Catholics who still find deep meaning in their church. There are priests and nuns, writers and politicians, movie actors and a college student. So it makes for an interesting mix.

I read this book in hopes of learning more about what ordinary people think of their Catholic faith, because I was leaning toward conversion. What I learned was that Catholicism is a wonderful form of Christianity, but there are too many things I disagree with to justify conversion. Not so much the stance on abortion and birth control, but the hierarchy of the Church itself. I feel that I have a greater appreciation for the Catholic tradition after reading this book. But for myself, my search leads me elsewhere.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most thought-provoking books I've read in a while. I drove Craig crazy reading passages out loud to him over the course of two days.

Being Catholic Now is a compilation of essays from American Catholics reflecting on their practice (or rejection) of Catholicism. There were too many great ones to describe, but some of the terrific ones came from Andrew Sullivan and Anne Burke. I thought a couple of them fell short of the mark: Bill O'Reilly (not a surprise because I don't think he is a particularly able thinker or writer) and Bill Maher (which disappointed me because I think he has interesting ideas on atheism and organized religion). Thomas Monaghan's views are just frightening.

[Su · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Robert Kennedy, uses this book to describe her own feeling about the Church today,plus she asked 37 other Catholics, some lapsed and some practicing, to do the same. Some of these people were familiar names and some I had never heard of.I thought most of their essays were wonderful, reinforcing my own belief that it is the people that make up the Church,not the hierarchy. Just the knowledge that others feel this way was uplifting to me. A few of the essayists were just so-so, Bill Maher's was very angry and I thought Alloisa May Thames very juvenile. But overall, I came away knowing it was okay to have disagreements or even opposite thoughts on the Church's teachings and still be an effective part of it.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting collection of essays by prominent American Catholics from priests and nuns to actors, writers and other notable celebrities. Most are still active in the Faith, but some have drifted away. As a practicing Catholic myself, I found it enlightening to read about other’s personal views and experiences. I especially liked reading about the various speculations of Heaven and found it affirming to read how the Holy Spirit has affected others in their lives.

[Joe Boenzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kerry Kennedy began writing this book in 2005, soon after the election of Pope Benedict XVI, and she published it in 2008. I bought my copy in September 2009, but since I was traveling to Italy at the start of October, I only received the book on my return, at the start of 2010. It has been on my "next book to read shelf" until last week… because I had more things than I could manage.

The book is really a series of interviews that Kerry Kennedy conducted with prominent American Catholics (or maybe Americans who are Catholic, to quote her uncle JFK). She introduces the book with the story of her own growing up Catholic, and tells the readers of her own difficulties with some Catholic teachings (or maybe personalities, or both). She then reproduces her interviews with 37 contemporary American Catholics. Some are nominally Catholic, and some have left the Church in bitterness. Many denounce the hierarchy, and some of the interviewees ARE hierarchy. There are actors, artists, political figures, social workers: women and men of many different walks of life, although most of them are really among the well-known and elite at the start of the 21st century.

Kennedy reproduces the responses to her interviews as they were given, although she eliminates the questions themselves so that the responses seem to be essays rather than question-and-answer. Many contrast the Church of their childhoods (often pre-Vatican II Catholicism) with the reality of their daily life in post-Iraq War, post-Katrina Hurricane USA. By and large, the "essays" are very short, and lean toward the sharing of experiences and personal reflections rather than the speculative approach we would expect to read in essays. The accounts are immediate and fresh, sometimes troubling and sometimes confusing, but mostly very grounded.

Certainly, the essays or interviews must have been more immediate in 2009 when I bought the book, and in 2019 when I read it -- but I'm not sorry that I waited. The book really seems to represent the views of American lay Catholics (even the religious and members of the clergy in the book speak from their experience rather than from their expertise). As such, it is useful in many ways for our current discussions on the relevancy of the Church among Catholics. This is not a book to convince anyone about Catholic faith, but a testimony to the spirit that animates Catholic people in the USA. I certainly recommend Kerry Kennedy's "Being Catholic Now" as a helpful presentation of contemporary Catholic thinking.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose this book for several reasons including my own struggles with staying a member of a church when I can't whole-heartedly agree with some of its most central tennets. I was hoping for something to show me that the church is vital and necessary. Something to bolster my faith, if you will. Kennedy includes many essays from lapsed Catholics, as well as a vitriol filled page from Bill Maher. While these people certainly are entitled to their opinion, perhaps they are best suited for a follow-up book on why being Catholic in today's age is out-dated. The thing I saw most in the actual current catholics is a desire for married priests, a desire for women to have a greater role in the modern church, and call for the church to reconsider its stance on artificial birth control. All of those are things that I agree are necessary if the church is to continue, let alone flourish in today's more secular society. The book didn't, however,offer any ideas on how to implement any changes.

Kennedy's partecipants also focused a lot on the social justice aspect of the church's mission. This, it seems, is one of the main reasons so many stay active with local churches, despite a disconnect and dissatisfaction with those in power in Rome. Thinking about social justice issues made me reminisce about "christian service" volunteer projects for high school, and made me wish I was more socially active now.

Overall, its a good read, but don't expect to be swayed if your bags are already packed.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Catholic church goes all the way back to Jesus. It has rituals and rules that strike non-Catholics and former Catholics as crazy and irrelevant in today’s world. So why do many Catholics still cling to their faith? Kerry Kennedy, a daughter of the late Robert Kennedy, asked a group of prominent Americans to write about being Catholic. She asked how the church fit into their upbringing, what makes them stay Catholic, what they think happens when we die, and what they would do if they were the pope? The writers include Anna Quindlen, Susan Sarandon, Gay Talese, Martin Sheen, Nancy Pelosi, Gabriel Byrne, Dan Akroyd, Bill Maher, various priests, nuns, and many more. These essays are well-written, coming from a lot of study and soul-searching. Some of the writers have given up on the church while others are ardent believers. Most see problems in the church and find some things hard to accept, but overall, they believe in the message of love and taking care of each other. They say it’s not about the hierarchy; it’s about Jesus and the people who believe in him. I find comfort in their words. My complaints are few. I’d like to see a little more racial and ethnic diversity among the writers. And I wish it was written now as a new wave of Catholics embrace pre-Vatican II traditions while others cling to the freedoms of a more liberal church. But I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the Catholic Church.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

At times, this book was good, at times disappointing. But I think it suffered a lot from its presentation. Kerry Kennedy apparently interviewed a number of famous American Catholics -- a term which, as used by the book, includes people who were raised Catholic but are not, now. But for some reason -- I struggle to think of why -- Kennedy's questions don't appear at all. Instead, you get what feels like a series of interviews with the questions lifted out and the answers spliced together to form a patchwork monologue. It's both awkward, because the thoughts don't flow, and repetitive: you feel that over time, you get a sense of the same stock questions that were asked of everybody.

That said, some of the content was great. To name a few, Andrew Sullivan, Martin Sheen, Susan Sarandon, and Gabriel Byrne (an abuse victim; I had no idea) gave deep, thoughtful answers; most everyone[1:] had something worthwhile to say. But I would have enjoyed a deeper exploration with any of these people, or any group of them; instead, and with few exceptions, it felt like once you marched through Kennedy's survey, you were on to the next person. The concept was great, but the execution was lacking.

--

[1:] Except Bill Maher.

[Megan Uy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read--it was comforting to read the thoughts and beliefs of other (mostly) like-minded, liberal people who remain in the Church and why they do. I also found it interesting how many of the people interviewed are no longer practicing or converted to another faith--and yet still chose to participate in a book reflecting on Catholicism, seeming to prove "Once a Catholic, always a Catholic." That said, this was a pretty fluffy piece of work. Each contributor's segment/chapter was essentially a verbatim transcript of an interview with Kennedy and thus had all the random digressions and interruptions of a typical conversation. This was very awkward in writing since the editing seemed minimal. This was disappointing, since so many of the contributors are writers/authors themselves (Anna Quindlen, Bill O'Reilly, Frank McCourt, Cokie Roberts) and could likely have contributed much better pieces on this subject than a short phone interview. Or Kennedy could have written about the interviews and interviewees herself, providing her own impressions of and reactions to her subjects. Either or both of these would have made for a more rigorous and compelling book.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is perfect for me and my sentiments. Since I was raised and am Catholic, I was very interested in people's thoughts and reasoning for either leaving or staying with the Church. Several of the people interviewed are no longer practicing Catholicism. The people included give diverse thoughts of what being Catholic means. Most of those who have lapsed from the church relate "once Catholic, always Catholic." Since I am mostly a liberal Catholic, I am encouraged by the number of men and women who think the Church's hierarchy should reconsider the role of women in the church. Definitely thought provoking with comments from Peggy Noonan, Martin Sheen, Dan Akroyd, Bill Maher, Susan Sarandon and others whose names aren't as well known to most.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life. If you are a conflicted Catholic, a confused Catholic, a Catholic in crisis, or someone who wonders what kind of person can be a Catholic, read this book. I am a cradle Catholic who felt like I didn't belong, even though I knew I was who I was because of the Catholic Church. Today I can say with confidence that I understand my faith, I understand myself, and I BELONG in the Catholic Church.

This book offers essays from all different perspectives on Catholicism, from all different people who have lived some or all of their lives in the Church. Each essay offers a different perspective, which is such an education! Hug this book. It is a fabulous life companion.

[William Dutton · Rating 2 out of 5]

The biggest strength of this book is that 37 people are interviewed, which provides the reader with a wide range of perspectives. Every person interviewed was raised Catholic- with some still practicing and others who no longer practice. The focus of every interview was how the person experienced Catholicism growing up, what problems they currently see with the religion, and what he or she would change if elected pope. This book puts more emphasis on what is wrong with Church, and offers little in regards to the positives of Catholicism. I assume this is because Kennedy wanted to have her own doubts reflected in these interviews because she was the one conducting them. Still this is a worthwhile read for Catholics or people who are interested in Catholicism in the 21st century.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of brief essays on what it means to be an
American Catholic today. Kerry Kennedy (daughter of Robert Kennedy)
asked the questions (e.g. what would you do if you were Pope,
describe your Catholic upbringing and education, etc.)
Some of the responses are very interesting, others not so much.
I enjoyed Cokie Roberts, Anna Quinlan, and James Carroll to name a few.
Bill O'Reilly's is an interesting contrast to most of the others.
It is a book you can pick up, read a couple, and put down.
I think many people who grew up Catholic will find at least some
of the interviews thought provoking while others may bring back
childhood memories.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I thought many of the essays were thought provoking and well written, there were a couple in there that just ruined the whole thing. I understand that Kerry Kennedy was attempting to get points of views from all types of Catholics - liberal vs. conservative, converted vs. born into it, American vs. foreign, etc. BUT there was no reason for the fire and brimstone that some of the authors threw in there. There was also no reason for the shitty writing by some of the contributors (except maybe to further back-up my negative opinion of Bill O'Reilly). All in all, I would go back and re-read certain essays, but for the most part, there was a lot of shit hiding the gold.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kerry Kennedy writes a very honest preface and introduction which both confirm that those Kennedys are hard core Catholic--yet Democrats! The essays from a wide variety of Catholics are quite good, not as much in their writing quality but in their views on and, for most of them, their struggles with Catholicism. The lesson learned is that most Catholics are "bad" Catholics who disagree with many of the Church's teachings. Many have been disappointed by the Church, and some have been hurt by the Church. Yet, most of them still love the Church. An excellent read for other the other bad Catholics among us.

[Michelle Ardillo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surprised by this book. Did not agree with most of the points of view expressed therein. Compilation of essays written by some famous people: Catholics, lapsed Catholics and ardently NOT Catholic. If you are Catholic, some of these will make you MAD, just a warning. Definitely a slant in the choice of included essays, author's pro-choice attitude featured throughout. Surprisingly quite a few of them wrote in favor of the ordination of women to the priesthood. As I said, if you are a practicing Catholic, be forewarned, this might not be the book for you.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book for my dad at the Stone Ridge used book sale, but once I took another look at it I had to read it for myself first! This is a collection of essays by prominent individuals in various fields who were raised Catholic. Some are still Catholic, and practice to varying degrees, and some are not. They are fascinating partly because of who wrote them, and partly because they show what a wide range of beliefs there are within the church. Essayists include Anna Quindlen, Susan Sarandon, Dan Aykroyd, Frank McCourt, Nancy Pelosi, Martin Sheen and more.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough positive things about this book. It's probably a little less "modern" reading it in 2015 as opposed to when it was written, but I still found a lot of value in reading all of these different perspectives about their ties to the Catholic faith. It was an easy read and something I would read again in the future, if need be, to help strengthen some of the viewpoints I already have. Loved it!

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It has helped me realize that it is okay to question everything that I grew up thinking was the only way. The authors of all the short stories each share their individualized view of their Catholic (or Non Catholic, as the case may be)faith. I think that all practicing and non-practicing Catholics should pick this up just to get in touch with someone who probably views the religion the way they do.

[casey]

I wasn't happy with this book. I was looking for different perspectives but all I felt like I was getting was negativity. Most stories were about how people (mostly celebrates) aren't happy with the Catholic church. I started having a hard time with going to church myself because I began to doubt and wonder why I was going. After a couple week away from this book, I discovered I love going to church and I don't need to read a book about negative attitudes.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought provoking. I wasn't crazy about the style it was written in (the author conducted interviews, but wrote it as if they were essays). If you're Catholic, it offers interesting perspectives with which to agree or disagree. If you're not Catholic, and you're curious why some of us are, it will either give you some insight, or offer some interesting questions that you can use as conversation starters with someone you know.

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

A worthwhile read for those who identify with the RC Church in any way. I absolutely hated some of these essays, loved a couple and learned a lot from almost all of them. In particular: Andrew Sullivan is so complicated but I totally get him and love his style. Also, I loved EJ Dionne's essay, particularly his thoughts on the job of the Catholic Church w/r/t "Liberal Catholics" and "Conservative Catholics" -- well-put, comforting and true.

[Beth Yeh · Rating 1 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book,but didn't like the topic. I thought I would be interested, but it just reminded me about how annoying I find the whole Catholic faith. Thus, it was helpful in my own quest for meaning, in reminding myself of what I already know. I find no meaning in the catholic faith. I few pages of this was enough for me to be clear on that and I returned the book.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Compelling but disappointing. I was anxious to hear Kerry Kennedy share how she reconciles her pro-choice views with the pro-life movement in the church. I'm very disappointed in her (lack of) ability to reframe this debate.

I found the letters from Catholics about the pedophelia in the church to leave me thinking "WHY?" ...Be Catholic Now.

[Mary-Ann Muffoletto]

Not just for Roman Catholics -- Kennedy has assembled a diverse array of personal essays that tackle "catholic" issues of faith. Written by celebrities and non-celebrities: cradle Catholics, Catholics who've left the church, Catholics who've converted from other faiths, happy Catholics, angry Catholics, seeking Catholics

[Edith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of essays features a broad range of perspectives from laymen and clergy, young and old, Hollywood and politicians. I liked reading about people's reflections on what faith meant to them personally. It is heartening to see people introspect on this question of identity whether or not they are currently practicing the faith.

[Judy Desetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saw it at library and picked it up. Want to learn more about how my religion works in todays world. Feeling a bit frustrated with the changes I see at church. The "church" seems to be going very conservatives.

Filled with essays from a variety of sources. Enjoyed reading what others had to say about their faith. It validated some of my own thoughts and feelings.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really enlightening. I enjoyed the essays from prominent often liberal Catholics about their faith. I was also surprised to find that the people who stayed with the Church through their times of question wrote much more compelling essays than those who chose to leave. It was a wonderful Lenten affirmation for me during these times of difficulty in the Church.