News about the Catholic Church is frequently in the headlines these days, from the recent wave of sex abuse allegations to the Pope’s next steps in the scandal. But it may not be the most frequent thought in church pews. A recent poll found that only one in ten Catholics consider the sex abuse scandal as catalyst for the leaving the Church. So what issues create a connection-or disconnect-with Church goers and the faith institution? What is the average congregant dealing with now compared to 20 years ago? Judy Valente is a religion reporter who contributes to our show and to PBS. Father John Pawlikowski is a Catholic priest at Assumption Catholic Church in Chicago, and a professor at Catholic Theological Union.

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Music Button: Emmanuel Pahud, “Bach Trio Sonata in G”, from the CD Bach, (EMI Classics)