I Like Being Catholic: Treasured Traditions, Rituals, and Stories

This book's resolute title and upbeat chapter headings promise a positive, apologetic approach to Roman Catholicism, and its essays do not disappoint. Longtime religion publisher Leach and Catholic author Borchard have edited a glowing collection of Catholic testimonial essays, fond remembrances of childhood church and parochial school days, loving prayers and descriptions of favorite Catholic rituals, traditions, prayers, saints and cultural influences. Bestselling novelist and priest Andrew Greeley sets the tone with his enthusiastic opening essay, ""It's Fun to Be Catholic,"" which extols Catholicism as both a ""religion of festivity and celebration"" and a uniquely communal ""religion for everyone."" The ensuing chapters consist of a wide array of topically arranged contributions from clergy and laity of all ranks, walks of life and degrees of renown. Side by side are accounts from Saint Francis, Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa; from Yogi Berra, Gary Cooper, Mary Higgins Clark and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy; and from ordinary electricians, innkeepers, parents and children. Leach and Borchard provide structure, connecting insights and a few brief essays to coordinate this multifaceted, highly favorable presentation of Catholicism. These laudatory essays are generally inspiring and educational to read, but the collection's perfectly positive picture omits any significant awareness of undeniable contemporary church dilemmas, such as declining church membership and vocations, or disagreements regarding ""relevant"" worship styles versus traditional Mass. (Sept.)