MSI Press Blog

  I just came back from Mass, where I completed the following highly choreographed, spiritually endorsed exercise routine: walked (entered) knelt ("signed in" as my son says) sat stood sat stood sat stood knelt stood sat stood walked (Communion line) knelt sat stood walked (out the door, glowing) People call this “liturgy.” I call it slow Catholic calisthenics . And here’s the real perk: Catholics don’t do this once a week. We offer daily classes. Every morning, all over the world, Catholics gather for: balance training (stand) core engagement (kneel) hip mobility (sit → stand transitions) mindful walking (Communion line) breath regulation (responses) isometric holds (long homilies) It’s basically a free gym membership with holy water. And for Grandma Ninjas? It keeps the joints honest. It keeps the reflexes sharp. It keeps the spirit centered. It keeps the body moving in ways that matter. Some people leave daily Mass spiritually fortified. I leave spiritually fortified and ...

  Catholics make up one of the largest religious groups in the United States, yet public perception has always been complex. Historically, Catholics faced suspicion — concerns about loyalty, culture, and difference. Even today, only a handful of U.S. presidents have been Catholic, and the faith still carries a sense of “minority within the majority.” Surveys show a mixed picture. Many Americans view Catholics positively, appreciating the Church’s charitable work, moral voice, and cultural presence. At the same time, scandals, political tensions, and misunderstandings about Catholic teaching have shaped public opinion in challenging ways. Are Catholics looked down on? Not broadly — but they are often misunderstood. The data suggests that Catholics occupy a unique space: respected by many, questioned by some, and still navigating what it means to be a large but not dominant religious community in a pluralistic nation. Understanding these perceptions helps Catholics engage the world w...