Dr. Varacalli's The Catholic Experience in America is a superb social history and sociological reflection of the key events of the Catholic Church in America. Its examination of different parts of the American Catholic community, the different aspects of Catholic life, the unfortunate effects on American Catholicism after 1965 of an increasingly secular culture, and the issues which have divided Catholics in recent decades will ensure that it will be a reference source of record for a long time to come. His objective, insightful study is social service at its best. He rightfully sees that only by return to orthodoxy - for Catholics to be truly Catholic - that the American Catholic community can have a salutary effect on the renewal of a troubled and confused American culture.

Stephen M. Krason, Esq.
Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies
Franciscan University of Steubenville
President, Society of Catholic Social Scientists

If someone were to tell me that he had time to read only one one book, and wanted the best, about the history of Catholicism in America, without fear of exaggeration I would tell him to read Joseph A.Varacalli's masterly THE CATHOLIC EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA.
This is no lightweight, politically correct treatment insulting
to the critical reader, but a historical discussion both objective and probing.
Prof. Varacalli and Greenwood Press have rendered a singular service to the truth, the truth about today's crisis in the Church, and the history of how it came about.
THE CATHOLIC EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA is a work of fine scholarship and brilliant, penetrating insight.

Donald J. D'Elia, Ph.D.
Professor of History
State University of New York
New Paltz, New York