This online individual course is part of a series that addresses the history of the Catholic Church in North America from the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 to the present time. This course will summarize the activities of the Church during the Great Depression and the two World Wars; identify the areas of progress for Catholics in American political life and society in the 1940’s to the 1960’s that culminated with the election of John F. Kennedy – an Irish Catholic – as president; and assess the impact of the Second Vatican Council (1961-65). It will also focus on explaining the importance of immigration and diversity to the Catholic community in the new century; reflecting on the prophetic voice of the Church for the culture of life in modern American society and politics; and forecasting the possible keys areas of concern for the Church in the 21st century and beyond.