Catholicism in America

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the history of Catholicism in the United States and how it has greatly influenced how America thinks and operates, especially when considering the core beliefs and practices that continue to be so pervasive in contemporary American culture. The paper discusses the factors that influenced Catholic immigration to America, as well as what influenced the increase in popularity of Catholicism within America itself.

From the Paper:

"Second, Pope John XXIII who had been elected as Pope in 1958 became one of the most popular and beloved Catholic Pope in modern history, due to his attempts to bring Catholics and non-Catholics together in friendship and appreciation. Third, John XXIII also convened the Second Vatican Council or Vatican II between 1962 and 1965 which "brought about substantial and long-lasting changes and innovations in the Catholic church." Accordingly, this council "solved some of the lingering problems of being a Catholic in America and made it possible for Catholics to feel less different in the eyes of their contemporaries and non-Catholic neighbors" (Marino, 256). And fourth, Pope Paul VI, the successor to John XXIII, issued "Humanae Vitae" which contained a strong reaffirmation on the ban on artificial contraception, a subject which continues to create much controversy and debate in today's America."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ellis, J.T. Catholics in Colonial America. New York: Helicon Press, 1965.
• Emerson, Charles W. The Story of Catholics in America. Rome: Paulist Press, 1978.
• Marino, Anthony. The Catholics in America. New York: Vantage Press, 1960.
• Trisco, Robert F. Catholics in America, 1776 to 1976. Boston: Committee of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1976.

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• Essay # 65263 : "Young Adult Catholics in America Today"

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