The Prodigal Daughter: Katie Holmes Returns To Catholicism, Suri Banned From Scientology

Following the quick and unexpected settlement of her divorce proceedings, Katie Holmes has been doing a bit of house-cleaning in her personal life, part of which includes her return to the Catholic faith, five years after leaving it in favor of soon-to-be ex-husband Tom Cruise’s Scientology.

Holmes’ return to Catholicism is evident due to her registration as a parishioner at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in New York City. “Everyone is thrilled to have Katie join us,” a member of the church’s choir told the Huffington Post. “She has not yet attended a service, but when she does she will be welcomed with open arms.” The church is known for its open-mindedness, particularly its welcoming of gay and lesbian couples. The parish’s mission statement says that the church “strives to be a prophetic, welcoming community, inclusive witness to the presence of Christ Jesus in our midst.” According to its website, St. Francis Xavier offers a respectful community, “where seekers and their questions are welcomed, where injustice is challenged, where the poor, the alienated and marginalized find a home, and where people are refreshed, reconciled and renewed.”

The warmth extended to Holmes from the Catholic Church contrasts Scientology’s reaction to the divorce. Part of the divorce settlement precludes the couple’s daughter, Suri, from being exposed to Scientology at all. “Under terms of the settlement, Suri isn’t permitted to be exposed to anything Scientology related and this includes going to any Scientology churches, parties, etc. Katie made sure that this was ironclad in the agreement,” a source told RadarOnline.

Despite the media scrutiny surrounding the implosion of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ marriage, the former couple have remained as private as they possibly can. “We want to keep matters affecting our family private and express our respect for each other’s commitment to each of our respective beliefs and support each other’s roles as parents,” said their joint statement.

Holmes’ new church has also played host to other celebrities in the past, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.