In my two-part series on Richard Dawkins' most recent attack on the Catholic Church, I explained that Dawkins and other New Atheists often focus their hatred on the Eucharist, not just because it is an obvious religious symbol, but because it represents an older, more comprehensive worldview that they reject. Convince Catholics that the Eucharist is simply bread and wine, and you can convince them that their religion is entirely without any basis other than the claims of authority.

But are the New Atheists right? Does our Faith depend entirely on authority? Or does experience of Christians verify the claims of that authority?

I recently published a piece, "O Sacrament Most Holy," in which I describe some of my own experiences that have convinced me that the Catholic Faith is indeed true. Now, I'd like you to do the same. In this thread in the Catholicism Forum, please post your own stories of experiences that brought home to you the reality of that which we know by faith.

I look forward to reading your responses, and I may feature some in a future blog post!

Reader "JoAnnKatherin," writing on our Questions About Catholicism form, asks a question that I hear almost every day:

Does the Catholic Church still believe in Purgatory? My friend said that her church bulletin printed that there is no Purgatory. Is this true?

Of all of the teachings of Catholicism, Purgatory is probably the one most often attacked (sometimes unintentionally) by Catholics themselves. But to paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of Purgatory's death have been greatly exaggerated. Read more...

(Photo © Scott P. Richert)

I skipped Wordless Wednesday last week, because I was too wrapped up in writing "Why Richard Dawkins Cannot Stomach the Eucharist." Therefore, I did not announce the winner of the previous week's contest.

Nancy Parode, the About.com Guide to Senior Travel, got one of the symbols found in the stained-glass window of Saint Simon the Zealot in the very first comment. Top honors, however, are split between readers Michael and Martha, who between them identified all of the symbols and offered explanations for most. You can find their answers in the comments.

There will be no contest this week but a solemn prayer on this Veterans Day for all those who have served our country.

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On November 9, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI released the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus, which governs the creation of "personal ordinariates for Anglicans entering into full communion with the Catholic Church." The document, which was announced on October 20, is the culmination of two years of work in response to the October 2007 request of the Traditional Anglican Communion for "full, corporate, and sacramental union" with the Catholic Church. (Since the announcement, the U.K. branch of the TAC has voted to take the Holy Father up on his offer.)

If the October 20 announcement was a surprise, the contents of the Apostolic Constitution are an even greater one. Read more...