The term "recovering Catholic", is used by some former practitioners of the Roman Catholic faith to describe their religious status. The use of the term implies that the person considers their former Catholicism to have been a negative influence on their life- something that must be "recovered" from. The term is sometimes used with humorous intent,, with a conscious parallel being drawn- seriously or otherwise- to the 12-step recovery programs often used by those recovering from drug or alcohol addiction.
A "recovering Catholic" differs from a lapsed Catholic in that the Church still considers a lapsed layman to be Catholic, even though he does not attend church or practice the faith as the Church expects. Also, "lapsed" is a status recognized by the Church, while "recovered" is not.
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