Dean Hoge, whose exacting, timely and provocative sociological studies helped the world better understand American Catholicism, and a frequent and valued contributor to America magazine, has died at age 71.  There is a fine obituary by Tom Fox in NCR. 

Here is NCR:  ’Dean Hoge, an unparalleled figure in the field of sociology of religion who spent decades studying American Catholics, especially the priesthood, died Sept. 13 after a lengthy bout with cancer. He was 71 years old. “While he was first and foremost a scholar, I’d have to say that I don’t know of a person who was more a Christian throughout his life,” said friend and colleague, William D’Antonio, who worked in recent years with Hoge at Catholic University’s Life Cycle Institute. “He was a shy person, but treated others with an easy grace as he attempted to live the Gospel.”’

RIP

James Martin, SJ

The Rev. James Martin, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, author, editor at large at America and founder of Outreach.