Being Catholic Today - Tapa dura

An inviting dialogue for exploring and understanding the Catholic faith today.

Laurence McTaggart knows that many people have been hurt by the Catholic church, are confused by it or disagree with it. A Benedictine Deacon, he aims to give a message of peace and reconciliation to those disaffected while encouraging other Catholics and those considering the faith.

By exploring the Church’s teaching and the issues that arise from it, McTaggart presents a dialogue rather than a bombast of doctrine. While he tackles many subjects that have traditionally been taboo (such as suicide), his tone is sensitive and encouraging.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CATHOLIC TODAY?

Many Catholics want to practice their faith with integrity and yearn to work through the challenging issues that seem to abound in the modern world. Fr. Laurence McTaggert sets out to explore these matters, including:
· How does – and how should – money affect the way we live?
· Women priests – should they be allowed?
· Can we doubt our faith
· Why are some people banned from the sacraments?
· What about those sometimes divisive issues, such as divorce, sex and homosexuality?
· Why bother with the church?
· Is the pope always right?
· Is confession out of date
· Why can prayer be so difficult
· Who will go to hell?
· Is suicide the final sin?
· What about euthanasia?
· How can I cope with illness, dying and bereavement?

Even though many topics have traditionally been taboo areas, McTaggert's tone is warm and encouraging. His sensitivity will help to bring down barriers between people and the priesthood as his message of reconciliation reaches out to the disaffected or uncertain. For the committed, his words will encourage, affirm and sometimes challenge.