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.

KATIE HOLMES SIGNS CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT!

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.

It has been revealed that Katie confided in Tom's second ex-wife Nicole Kidman.

A source told Us Weekly: "They've spoken over the last few weeks. Nicole has been supportive, saying she's been through it too and to hang in there. Nicole offered her support and help."

Nicole – who has two adopted children, Isabella, 19, and Connor, 17, with Tom – has been friends with Katie since 2006, when her ex-husband married the 'Dawson's Creek' star, but she is said to have been more of a "private friend" to the brunette beauty over the last few weeks.

The source added: "She has been a private friend not many people know about."