Ever since the irruption of Pentecostal spirituality within Protestant and Roman Catholic denominations, there has been a gradual emergence of what might be called "charismatic theology". To be sure a lot of this theology is and has been written at a popular level, but within the last twenty years there has evolved a distinct theology with…

This report presents the findings of a national survey of diocesan and religious priests who were ordained between 1980 and 1984. The questionnaire issued to the respondents asked about three topics of concern to Catholic Church leadership: priestly morale, priestly identity, and priestly roles. The research examined seven key issues, each of…

Defines civil religion as the illumination provided by more basic religious symbols about the meaning of the civil and political society in which a person finds himself. Sees a potential for openness, movement, and growth among Catholic ethnics. (DM)

This transcript of an address to the Catholic Library Association highlights an artifact collection of the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Describes everyday objects with religious motifs from 19th-century America; discusses social and religious changes resulting from industrialization and…

The Catholic charismatic movement (renewal) may not have fulfilled all the hopes of its adherents, but it has had more impact on the Catholic Church than many realise. The signs are that this influence will increase as the effects sink deeper into church life. (Contains 33 notes.)

Generally speaking this study uncovered little or no economic difference between Catholics and Protestants as indexed by occupational status and income or upward mobility. It found no current validity for the Weber Thesis in economic attitudes. (Author)

Contends that the belief in saints did not emerge spontaneously. Traces a consistent ecclesiastical propaganda campaign aimed at communicating the character, powers, and importance of saints. Calls this the oldest, most enduring, effective propaganda campaign in the Western world prior to the invention of the press. (PD)

Formulations of the Hispanic Pastoral Encounter include a call for the respect of Hispanic culture in Catholic parishes and a priority for recruiting and ordaining Spanish-speaking clergy. These requests parallel those presented on behalf of German immigrants 100 years ago. They must be considered and accepted. (VM)

There are a number of changes in both the Catholic Church as an organization and the priesthood as profession to threaten the belief structure of its members, the structure of the organization, and the services members provide. (Author)

Discusses ways of incorporating relevant cultural elements in Catholic school and parish liturgical celebrations to help ensure full participation. Describes the development of a Mass prepared by a group of Asian-Pacific Island Catholics. Highlights planning considerations and cultural adaptations, such as decorations and the use of traditional…

Discusses American Catholics' approach to political order, examining the variety of Catholic approaches to government, citizenship, and politics. Highlights six practices that reflect American Catholicism and democratic citizenship: respecting politics, promoting the common good, making politics responsive, reviving public discourse, voting…

Focuses on the apparent position of U.S. Catholics, particularly those of relatively recent immigrant roots, in several contexts and identifies one possible response by them to their seeming predicament. (Author/AM)

Base Christian communities (also know as base-level ecclesial communities or CEBs) are small groups of Christians, mainly Catholics and mainly in Latin America, that come together for scripture study, prayer, and fellowship. They frequently turn their attention toward social ills and address problems existing within society. The origin of CEBs can…