There's No Place Like Holmes

Katie has come home.

HuffPo has the news:

Five years after revealing that she had started to study Scientology, Katie Holmes has officially returned to the Catholic faith, registering as a parishioner at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in New York City.


Okay, let's hold on a minute.  Registering as a parishioner does not mean one has "officially returned" to the Catholic faith - although it is a very good step in the right direction.  Since I will assume Kate has not been an active Catholic during her tenure with Tom, "officially returning" would mean she makes a full Confession and thereafter receives the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist, and continues to do so on a regular basis.  

And that seems to make some people skeptic, the fact that she has not raced to do so - or, maybe she has, who knows?  Listen, this woman has been through a lot and I, for one, am glad to hear that she and Cruise have reached a settlement in their divorce that will have Kate be the primary custodial parent for little Suri - whom, I should note, has been registered in a Catholic school.  Katie Holmes has escaped Scientology, Dieu merci.  So let's allow her some baby steps to coming home.  Just as sometimes my faith waivers and I rely on my cultural background to provide me the impetus to get me to Mass - I cannot turn my back on all my Irish and Polish ancestors who suffered for the faith - if Kate wants to use her Catholicism as a means of liberation from a stifling marriage, that is just fine.

Welcome home, Kate, my dear.  It has been a journey to return, so sit awhile and get your bearings.  When you are ready, come join the family in a fuller manner, perhaps stepping into the kitchen to help prepare a meal, or getting the little ones ready for bed.  

Welcome home, little sister

We are just awfully glad to see you.

Maybe Tom -baptized a Roman Catholic - will come home, too.