Catholic Daughters of Catholic Mothers: A Memoir and Guided Journal (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781958185001)

Join a nostalgic romp through a Catholic upbringing. This guided journal is a witty and poignant view of life for those growing up during the Vatican II era. And it even resonates for those who have only seen a nun or a priest in movies.

Follow along as Dr. Martha Lucas highlights a generation of Catholic daughters, as well as just daughters, of mothers devoted to their church. Whether or not you grew up in an atmosphere laced with cultural and religious traditions, this thought-provoking introspection will have you laughing and crying from start to finish.

Dr. Lucas candidly recounts memories of her Catholic daughter's childhood: beginning with her parents choosing which saint to name her after and continuing through her Catholic grade school education, taught by nuns, the founders of America's parochial schools. Experience the strict discipline and rules of a system where independent thinking was discouraged. Everything was forbidden, everyone was a sinner, and every action put students at risk for "going to hell."

Girls formed lady-like identities regulated first by school uniforms, then by the cult of the Virgin Mary, and last by the ceremonies that parishioners were forced to endure over and over again. Parents and elders were to be obeyed and respected, their wishes anticipated, while children were expected to accept punishment out of the fear of God. Afterall, obedience was a gift from the Holy Spirit.

The journey continues into adulthood with Dr. Lucas's willingness to question authority, grapple with her own identity, and slide into becoming what she lovingly calls an "ambiguous" Catholic. She offers a visceral account of Catholic guilt, desire, piety, anger, and the superstitions that shaped the Catholic upbringing. For some, this still permeates their lives as adults.

Who were Catholic Daughters? Why did these young women work so hard to fit into the Catholic mold, even to the extent of making up sins? And what kinds of sins did you make up when you were a kid just so you'd have something to say to the priest in the confessional booth? This provocative question at the end of the "Confession" chapter is just one that is at the core of Catholic Daughters of Catholic Mothers.

This book and its guided journal questions emerged from Dr. Lucas's experiences and desire to help others discover their truth and speak it out loud. Buy this journal now and begin an exploration of yourself and your inner beliefs. You'll reconstruct the traces of your Catholic mother-daughter nexus, remember your personal accomplishments, get a better understanding of your embodied self, and reflect on important life lessons.