The irony of you thinking I'm "new to Catholicism" will bring laughter to the many I will tell.  I'm old enough to remember pre-Vatican II laughter:

"Father, I'm having those thoughts about Mary Murphy again."

"And have you entertained those thoughts?"

"No, they've entertained me!"

I've been a practicing Catholic for many decades. I am somewhere between Kung and Ratzinger in my moral theology, and I think "Why I Am A Catholic" by Garry Wills should be read by everyone. I think Fr. Hesburgh did more for Catholicism than has Cardinal Burke. I think  three errors of our Church are clericalism, legalism, and sexism (including anti-sex-ism). I think Paul VI is underrated and lament Ottaviani; I attended 40 Hours today; I feel more at home with nuns on a bus than with celebrants at the Napa Institute;  I think a beer with Cupich would top one with Chaput; I would rather read NCR than watch EWTN; and I'd pick BC over Steubenville for grandkids. 

And I might be wrong.  Deo Gratias.