..and have met Bohdi and gone through the first(?) "Slayer" sequence. Moving along, I go to my "abilities" to cast a "cure light wounds" and,,,, my abilities are gone, except for "set snare". I have already rested a couple of times. Is the loss of abilities tied to the "Slayer" process?

You lost that ability, plus Draw Upon Holy Might, when Irenicus stole your soul, or part of it. ;)

During the sequence when you lose your abilities, you don't see the message box. However, once the sequence of finishes (when Irenicus talks to you and explains a few things), scroll up in the message box and it says something like "Bhaalspawn powers lost" or something

During the sequence when you lose your abilities, you don't see the message box. However, once the sequence of finishes (when Irenicus talks to you and explains a few things), scroll up in the message box and it says something like "Bhaalspawn powers lost" or something </font>[/QUOTE]IIRC there is a mod(Ease of Use?) that enables you too see the message during the sequence.