Study: Most Catholics satisfied

A recent survey of America's Catholics shows that two-thirds do not go to Mass on a weekly basis and nearly one-half never go to confession. On the plus side for the Church, there has been a rise in confidence in the country's bishops, and about 80% were satisfied with the leadership of Pope Benedict XVI.

The study, done at Georgetown University, was commissioned by American bishops. The results come just in advance of the pope's visit this week to New York City and Washington, DC.

Some of those involved in efforts to re-open parishes closed by the Archdiocese of Boston are hoping that the US visit will bring more attention to their cause. Several have petitions currently being reviewed by the Vatican.

However, at least one parishioner is not happy to see Benedict on American soil. East Boston resident Gina Scalcione told the Boston Herald, “If somebody paid me money to go see him, I wouldn’t go see him. It all starts with him. Everything that has happened to this religion is his fault.”