Bishop John McCarthy's book, "Off the Cuff & Over the
Collar: Common Sense Catholicism" is an enticing concoction of
"Tuesdays with Morrie" blended with "Catholicism 101," topped with
an added twist of Irish wit and decades of experience as a Roman
Catholic priest.
In over fifty bite-sized pieces, McCarthy clearly defines the
Church's position and as always, openly voices his opinions-
including where they begin to diverge from recent years' public
stance of the Vatican. He addresses a variety of topics such as the
infallibility of the Pope, abortion, divorce, saints, sacraments,
bullying and teasing, nuns, Jews and Protestants. McCarthy tackles
the shortage of priests, celibacy, homosexuality, birth control,
the role of women in the Church, death and dying, and even heaven
and hell, skillfully balancing the serious nature of these issues
with his relaxed conversational tone and humor.
Bishop John McCarthy speaks from the depth of his heart and
faith, reaching out not only to currently practicing Catholics, but
also to the millions of fallen away Catholics- the hurt, the
disenfranchised, the indifferent, the divorced, the homosexual, the
questioning agnostic, the liberals and the conservatives- even the
self-professed "recovered Catholics." McCarthy fully embraces the
wonderful Apostolic Church that was envisioned in Vatican II, and
stands ready to ""throw open those magnificent doors to the heart
of the Catholic Church, and invite you in with love and joy.""
Bishop McCarthy is buoyantly optimistic that the Church- though
she moves slowly and deliberately- is ready for change, especially
under the leadership of the Pope Francis, to whom this book is
dedicated. The new pope's immediate focus on simplification and
service suggest indeed, a very common sense Catholicism.
All profits from this book will benefit one of Bishop McCarthy's
favorite charities: Saint Louise House... "empowering women with
children to overcome homelessness."
Sister Sharon Groetsch, D.C., says: "Bishop McCarthy's book is a
wonderful response to a pressing need for ordinary Catholics (and
the "Catholic-curious") to bring simple, direct insights to the
lay-public. Moreover, it's fun The Bishop's style is
conversational, clear, and well-laced with Irish humor. This is a
quick and easy read, and a perfect pairing with your morning
coffee."
Rabbi Alan R. Freedman, Temple Beth Shalom, says: "In an age
when religion is increasingly coming under attack, John McCarthy
has come forth with a book that is a resounding treatise on the
virtues of a life of faith . While addressed to a primarily
Catholic audience, Bishop McCarthy provides observations and
lessons on life that apply to all people of faith. His lifelong
concern for all people is reflected in every page, "particularly in
his consistent admonition to avoid bringing pain to others." There
is a life lesson on every page of this book, and I encourage anyone
seeking to live a better and more meaningful life to share in its
words. The good Bishop has done it again "
Rev. Larry Covington, Pastor of St. Louis Catholic Church, says:
"Required reading for all current and former Catholics, and
especially for seminarians and anyone engaged in the ministry Here
lies no pontification of a prelate long ensconced in a purple silk
bureaucracy, but practical words for the common Joe. McCarthy's
common sense observations reflect his life as a provocative and
sometimes controversial church leader who is, above all, a man who
takes the task of being a good shepherd to heart."
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