<DIV>How can the Catholic Church be both hugely popular and widely scorned? How can it hold onto its ancient roots and be forever changing? This updated guide tells the story of being Catholic as Catholics themselves live their faith, every day of their lives. More than ever before, this edition speaks to interested outsiders, non-clergy, and practicing Catholics, as well as to religious professionals and members of the clergy. <p> This book explores:<BR> • The various stances within American Catholicism today<BR> • Recent Catholic history, most notably, the death of John Paul II and the succession of Pope Benedict XVI<BR> • The seven sacraments<BR> • The present state of Catholic education, Catholic identity, and Catholic social teaching </div>