Heh.  It is a sad day indeed for the Catholic blogging community.

National Catholic Register. Friday April 1, 2011.  The Catholic blogosphere is a buzz with the shocking announcement by the popular blogger and speaker Mark Shea that he is leaving the Catholic Faith.

His press release follows.

After Considerable Thought, I am Converting to the Jedi Faith

by Mark Shea Friday, April 01, 2011 12:00 AM

It is with great joy that I announce my conversion to that most ancient and mystical of religions: the Faith of the Jedi Warrior.

Many of you will ask me: “Mark, why? We thought you were a serious Catholic!”

All I can say is, it just feels right for me, and I like the Jedi ethos which teaches us all to trust our feelings. Because, after all, if you can’t trust your feelings, what *can* you trust?

Others ask, “But isn’t this just from a movie? Didn’t George Lucas just make it all up?”

To them I say, “Name one religion somebody didn’t just make up!” Ha! Got you there, didn’t I? You don’t even know how to answer, do you? That proves the Force is with me.

You see, it’s that kind of quick thinking theology that I most admire about the Jedi faith. That and being able to lift an entire spacecraft out of a swamp using only my brain. Also, being able to have a powerful influence on weak-minded storm troopers is useful.

You may ask when I’m going to be able to do that spacecraft-lifting thing. I reply that I will do it when I am ready and not before. These things take time, and I am only a young apprentice. But stay with me and you will see great things.

I’ve had a great run as a Catholic, and I appreciate all your support, Gentle Register Readers. But from here on in it’s Jedi for me!

So let me say to one and all, with all the sincerity this most special Day of Days deserves: “May the Force be with You!”

Oh well. Win one lose one.