Katie Holmes registers at NY Catholic church

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Katie Holmes has registered with a Catholic church in New York.

The actress - who recently split from actor and high-profile Scientologist Tom Cruise - appears to have formally confirmed her return to Catholicism by signing up as a member of the congregation of the Church of St. Francis Xavier, which is located on 16th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

One member of the church choir told the Huffington Post: "Everyone is thrilled to have Katie join us. She has not yet attended a service, but when she does she will be welcomed with open arms."

It has been widely speculated that Katie wanted to protect the couple's six-year-old daughter Suri from being exposed to Scientology, but Tom's lawyer Bert Fields is adamant religion played no part in the 33-year-old actress' decision to file for divorce from her husband.

He told RadarOnline: "Let me be very clear about this. The Church of Scientology played absolutely no role in the divorce settlement talks at all. Period.

"The mere suggestion that the Church was involved in any element of the talks and ultimate settlement is categorically false. Anyone suggesting otherwise is just wrong (sic)."

Representatives for both stars have insisted the details of their settlement will be kept under wraps, though it is believed Katie will get primary custody of Suri, with Tom allowed generous visitation rights.

The welfare of Suri was key to the pair resolving their split amicably and privately following initial speculation there would be a public court battle.