It is difficult to find a Catholic that can answer these questions. I have friends, but they can't answer them. My pastor was a devout catholic for the first thirty seven years of his life, but the catholic church has changed a lot since he left. He is amazed by the changes. The Catholic Church hasn't changed in its beliefs.
Many practical matters are in an uproar right now.
The Church goes through this every two or three centuries, but it comes back to its senses. It was much worse during the time of the Arian heresy. Many people, even the clergy don't often know about what the Cathoic Church teaches. I hope my answers don't go into the void. Actually, they will not.