“Fr. Tom Sweetser has given us a thoughtful and accessible book on what ordinary Catholics think about their Church. With decades of experience in parish research and renewal he has listened carefully to dozens of people who have distanced themselves from church life and also who remain. The result is a revelatory presentation and analysis of the thoughts and questions of a cross-section of American Catholics both “before and after” the election of Pope Francis.”
“What a wonderful combination of heartfelt reflection, significant data and assessment of timely and relevant issues pertaining to the Catholic Church. The author presents a wealth of practical, pastoral suggestions for the renewal and growth of the parish and larger Church. May we all follow the example of Pope Francis by making a difference through the faith, work, and example in our lives!”
“Thanks to experience both deep and long, Tom Sweetser, SJ, knows what works (and what doesn’t) in parish life. He brings this wisdom to his new book about how Pope Francis is changing the Catholic Church by uncovering the attitudes and feelings of two groups: those who struggle but have remained Catholics, and those who have left the Church. This is a surprising, insightful and moving book for reflection, prayer and discussion.”
“The ‘before and after Francis’ method of interviewing has opened the door to a much more creative treatment of the topic: it reveals not only what people think but also how a leader might influence that thinking and why. Though the responses of this very readable study come from only a sampling of interviewees, they provide the kind of insight that those working in and for local parishes cannot afford to ignore.”