Maureen K. Day, PhD, is the associate professor of religion and society at the Franciscan School of Theology. She is also a research affiliate at the University of Southern California’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture and their Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies. Her work as a sociologist focuses on religion in American civic life, Catholic campus ministry, young adults, family, stewardship, and priestly well-being and support. She is an award-winning author and regularly gives public talks on issues related to pastoral ministry and church life.
"""Cultural Catholics is a very readable and engaging look at that half of the U.S. Catholic church on the margins or totally outside of parish life. Maureen Day digs into the subtle issues of cultural Catholics versus active Catholics with a sensitive sociological and pastoral eye. She highlights the critical question of 'who' mediates the Church, be it parishioners, parish staff, deacons or priests—and how those on the margins experience this mediation. Includes lots of pastoral insight and suggested actions."" Tom Gaunt, SJ, Executive Director of Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), and editor of Faith and Spiritual Life of Young Adult Catholics in a Rising Hispanic Church ""For anyone who cares about the Catholic faith surviving; for anyone willing to imagine a new way of defining 'a lived faith'; for anyone enthused by the idea that there is a new path forward for Catholic identity; this book is for you! This research and its application help all of us in church life to reframe our understanding of the role Catholic identity plays in the lives of so many, and encourages us to be innovative in how we respond to the concept of 'cultural Catholicism' as a positive starting point. In this light, all of us can be considered 'cultural Catholics' anew, and I am hopeful for the path forward."" Nicole M. Perone, National Coordinator, ESTEEM, Chair of the Board of Members, National Institute for Ministry with Young Adults"