Kathleen Finley – författare

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.

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.

What does a clock or calendar, a map, a newspaper or bandage, a set of measuring cups or a basket have to do with prayer? Kathleen Finley not only tells about how to pray with all our senses, but also shows us how, using Scripture as well as factual information about a wide variety of everyday objects, to help us take seriously how everything has the potential to be holy in light of Jesus'' incarnation.If folding your hands and closing your eyes doesn''t always work for you as a posture of prayer, this excursion into new possibilities for prayer may be for you.

Usually when we pray we try to shut out the outside world and focus on the interior, the spiritual, in order to be able to be with God. Instead, this book invites us to be with God through the very tangible, specific objects of our everyday life. We're invited to take another look--as well as another listen, taste, touch, and smell--at what is right before us and see God there. A rock, a shoe, a pen--all offer an opportunity for entering into prayer and experiencing God's presence.

Dear God, the world feels very alive today, with birds and flowers and many colors. Thank you for the new life we feel and see all around us, life that comes from you. Thank you for butterflies and dandelions and new leaves and bugs and kites and baseball. Thank you for life. Amen. --"e;On a Spring Day"e;This easy-to-use book of prayers provides a much-needed resource for families who want to celebrate the everyday events of their lives. From such moments as the first day of school, being in a thunderstorm, reading together, and fifty-seven other occasions, Finley attempts to help parents and children see and express the ways that God is part of their lives. In her introduction, she describes the family as the basic unit of religious formation and experience. She further argues that the role of family prayer is not to make family life holy, but rather to help families see the holiness that is already there. Line drawings by Kevin Finley, the author's son, accompany each prayer.

Expecting and raising a new baby is an exciting time in life--one filled with hope, anxiety, optimism, and wonder. This collection of prayers for parents feeds the spiritual side of the prospect of imminent parenthood. This book contains a series of simple, kindly, and heartfelt prayers appropriate for all stages of a new child's life, from preconception until the first birthday. Kathleen Finley, author of Savoring God: Praying with All Our Senses (2003) and Dear God: Prayers for Families with Children, offers prayers for almost any occasion in a new baby's first year, prayers for guidance before and during pregnancy, as well as for those going through the adoption process. Appropriately tied to passages from the Bible, these prayers will warm the hearts of anyone seeking to foster spirituality at this special time. Welcome! Prayers for New and Pregnant Parents offers a means for parents, grandparents, stepparents, siblings, and even birth coaches to fully realize and appreciate God's miracle of new human life. It gives us many reasons to ask God's blessings, at just the time when it is needed so much.

In an inclusive, welcoming manner, the Finleys share their insights, beliefs, and convictions concerning the foundation of church being rooted in the firm foundation of family. And their portrait of family is both realistic and inspirational, culminating a call to a familial spirituality that is at once joyous and profound, everlasting and everchanging.