The Liturgy of Motherhood: Moments of Grace [Paperback]

Kathleen Finley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 20, 2004

The Liturgy of Motherhood: Moments of Grace is a unique invitation to mothers and parents to pause and reflect on the rhythms, cycles, symbols, and rituals that define who they are, both as caregivers and members of a larger community. Using the liturgical year as her framework, Kathleen Finley explores the spirituality of many kinds of mothers and the ways that various aspects of the Christian tradition--from the Advent wreath to the Beatitudes, the Paschal mystery of Christ's death and Resurrection to the daily celebration of the Sacraments--shed their light on the daily and unique holiness of motherhood. Both the actions of motherhood and the rituals of the liturgy reaffirm in our lives the communion, connection, and timeless presence in any relationship of love. In each chapter, Finley connects the themes and practices of the season to particular aspects of a mother's spirituality, a spirituality that is communal, incarnational, nurturing, patient, among other qualities. She offers to her readers the voices of real women recounting their own experiences of motherhood alongside classic and contemporary Christian models. Including passages from Scripture, questions for reflection, and suggestions for further resources, The Liturgy of Motherhood provides a way for mothers--and for all of us--to further develop the daily richness of our relationships as a "domestic church" within the Christian tradition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Finley, an author and mother, views motherhood through the lens of the Catholic church's worship rites in this compilation arranged around the liturgical year and the seasons of Advent, Lent, Holy Week and Easter, Pentecost and Ordinary Time. Using stories from her own maternal life and those of other mothers, Finley develops the theme in each chapter by describing the particular season and its traditions, then reflects on its presence in the interplay between mothers and their children. For example, in the chapter on Advent, she likens the liturgical season of waiting for the coming of Christ at Christmas to the waiting implicit in the lives of all mothers, whether they are expecting a child's birth or her arrival home from a dance. In another section, she compares the relics kept by the church to the locks of baby hair cherished by mothers everywhere. Finley also offers models of motherhood drawn from her church's collection of saints and saintly women. Knowing that moms can sometimes take their innate spiritual qualities to extremes, she devotes part of each chapter to "achieving a balance" in exercising such attributes as compassion and patience. Christian mothers, especially those from liturgical traditions, will relate to this book, and those who use it for group study will find the Scripture verses and questions at the end of each chapter helpful.
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Review

The mystic Meister Eckhart said, "we are all meant to be mothers of God for God is always needing to be born." Kathy Finley brings this truth home by holding up mothers as models for all of us, and showing us the Way to be nurturing, compassionate, and open to wonder. You don’t have to be a mother to benefit from this beautiful book. You will become one in the best spiritual sense. (Michael Leach )

As a mother, I know the yearning of my maternal spirit for greater connection to Mother Church. This book offers insight into that mystical union and elevates the ordinary rituals of our family life. As founder of Elizabeth Ministry, this book is an answer to prayers. I’ve listened to thousands of mothers seeking validation for the spirituality of facing the joys, challenges and sorrows of childbearing and rearing. Kathleen has captured the essence of all that it means to be mother! (Jeannie Hannemann )

What a gift! A book that affirms the sacredness of all those moments, experiences, and feelings that are absolutely core to mothers' lives. I felt acknowledged, lifted up, renewed and inspired. (Kathy McGinnis )

Finley successfully connects the experiences of the liturgy and motherhood--weaving a meaningful tapestry of symbolism, stories, sacraments, and more--and convincing even the most tired of moms that moments of redemption abound in her day. (Therese J. Borchard )

Kathleen weaves the threads of our rich faith tradition into women's experience in a way that both affirms and challenges women to a deeper awareness of the sacred call to motherhood. Her grasp of liturgy, sacramental theology and tradition combined with the wisdom of women's experience creates a tapestry that both informs and inspires! (Mary Jo Pedersen )

Not only is this book conceptualized, but real life mothers have contributed their experiences; sound principles of mothering are articulated; and questions are posed to lead the leader further in a appreciation of the role. (Catholic Journalist )

Christian mothers, especially those from liturgical traditions, will relate to this book, and those who use it for group study will find the Scripture verses and questions at the end of each chapter helpful. (Publishers Weekly )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Sheed & Ward (August 20, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580511139
• ISBN-13: 978-1580511131
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,638,039 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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