This reference work recounts the struggles and status of American Catholics in every generation of America’s history. It also narrates and charts the growth of the Church in each of the 51 states. It contains hundreds of factual biographies of men and women from all stratas of society. It focuses on: the explorers; the pioneering Spanish, French and English missionaries; the struggles of the colonial and revolutionary era; the turbulent and transforming 19th century, with its waves of immigrants; the industrial revolution; and the challenges and crises of this century, down to the present day. All the major events and movements which united or divided Catholics are covered. The men and women from each decade and era are portrayed, and attention is given to the women, lay and religious, who played a major role in educating and forming the Catholic children of American over five generations. Entries are arranged alphabetically for convenient use by those who preach, teach or study. The primary aim of each entry, whether it reflects some original research or summarizes existing scholarship, is to provide basic information, while its bibliographical citations open the road to further study.