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Good Catholic Girls: How Women Are Leading the Fight to Change the Church
The inspiring true story of the women who are fighting for the soul of the Catholic Church Angela Bonavoglia is a self-described "itinerant Catholic." Born a Catholic, she knew she would die a Catholic. She was resigned to living with the knowledge that the Church had failed to live up to its own ideals, but then she heard the story of one woman who had the courage to say no to the pope. That launched Bonavoglia on a journey of discovery, through which she found many contemporary women, all over the world, stepping forward to challenge one of the last bastions of male authority -- the Roman Catholic Church. She began to believe that change just might be possible. The recently exposed transgressions of priests within the Church stunned the faithful and sent a new surge of energy through the progressive Church reform movement in the United States. Despite the movement's growing profile, the world has only recently learned that Catholic women are the driving force behind reform. Good Catholic Girls is a lively account of these courageous women, as seen through Bonavoglia's eyes. They include Joan Chittister, the Benedictine nun who refused to obey a Vatican order not to speak at the first international conference for women's ordination groups worldwide; Mary Ramerman, ordained a Catholic priest before 3,000 jubilant supporters in a packed theater in Rochester, New York; Frances Kissling, whose fight for women's reproductive rights has shaken the Church at its highest levels; priest abuse survivor Barbara Blaine, who created the most powerful voice for victims, the Survivors' Network of those Abused by Priests; and Sister Jeannine Gramick, who built a pioneering ministry to gays and lesbians, despite Vatican orders to silence her and ban her work. Backed by supporters worldwide, these and other women are rethinking Catholic theology, changing the face of ministry, and resurrecting the lost lives of female Church leaders. They are working to open ordination to all, challenging the Church's sexual repression, and calling the Church to openness and accountability. Their work is brave, provocative, and vital, for what becomes of women in the Catholic Church will determine what becomes of the Church itself. As Bonavoglia shows in this compelling book, the hierarchy ignores them at its peril.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
15 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 8, 2009
I don't even know where to begin. I'm not sure I've ever teetered between anger, desolation and longing so much as I have in the few weeks it took me to get through this book. Covering nearly every issue affecting Roman Catholic women today from abortion to sex to women's ordination, I finished this book furious at the institution I already struggle with, even less fond of the male magisterium and wondering where I fit into it all. The book affirmed what I had already experienced, namely that it's women-both vowed religious and lay-that are leading the reformation in the Roman Catholic Church today. The author is definitely biased and states so, but she does a decent job presenting opposing opinions and it's moving to hear her share personal convictions and experiences, especially when she's challenged by the work a particular woman or organization is doing. I found myself taking consolation in the fact that other women feel the way I do about certain issues in the Church, especially when I find myself agreeing with both sides. It would take me a month to process everything I read and learned from this book. So suffice it to say that if you're even remotely interested in women's issues and the Church, you should consider reading this. It will more than likely incite you to action and leave you wondering how the hell to channel it.
May 23, 2010
Angela Bonavoglia introduced me to many good women in the Church, and for this I am grateful. Her passionate story moved me at times to tears, at other times to anger.
Bonavoglia makes her biases known from the beginning--she is a woman determined to stay in the Church, and desiring progressive reform. She is a journalist who knew that her experience while gathering this information was as important to this book as the experiences of those about whom she wrote, and I enjoyed meeting her and the other courageous woman sorting through centuries of discrimination and silencing as they found their voices.
Sometimes was far more interested in what she wrote than in how she wrote it, which meant that her writing style sometimes left much to be desired in the way of grace, though she was always clear.
The struggles of the women in this book struck me as courageous, loving, and passionate.
Bonavoglia makes her biases known from the beginning--she is a woman determined to stay in the Church, and desiring progressive reform. She is a journalist who knew that her experience while gathering this information was as important to this book as the experiences of those about whom she wrote, and I enjoyed meeting her and the other courageous woman sorting through centuries of discrimination and silencing as they found their voices.
Sometimes was far more interested in what she wrote than in how she wrote it, which meant that her writing style sometimes left much to be desired in the way of grace, though she was always clear.
The struggles of the women in this book struck me as courageous, loving, and passionate.
January 28, 2011
If you want to read just one book about women and inequality in the Catholic Church, this is the one.
We don't get spiritual recognition, sacramental authority, administrative power, or doctrinal influence, but the church is very willing to use the labor of women.
We don't get spiritual recognition, sacramental authority, administrative power, or doctrinal influence, but the church is very willing to use the labor of women.
November 10, 2012
This book is affirming...I haven't been living under a rock and I know most of the major players (by name) in this struggle. It was challenging to be reminded of the power struggle that is in the face of our professed women religious and the challenges faced by our most progressive bishops.
I took this book (filled with post-it flags) to a discussion with my spiritual advisor this week. It was a great book and now I have to return it to the library...I'll be buying a copy!
The work goes on...
I took this book (filled with post-it flags) to a discussion with my spiritual advisor this week. It was a great book and now I have to return it to the library...I'll be buying a copy!
The work goes on...
October 28, 2013
Although I don't agree with all of the points in this book, it is well written and informative. I like the fact that it backs up its data with names and dates. I think that this book needed to be written.
August 19, 2012
I loved this book. Me and Catholicism have a complicated relationship. I agree with some, but not all of the reforms this books suggests. I may make a more involved post about this one at some point
July 28, 2021
I did not read the book. In fact, I burned a copy today. I was driven to do so by the summary alone. Women cannot be priests; this is not because of traditions or sexism. It is because when Christ ordained His priests, they did not include women despite the holiest non-divine person being present at the ordination. This book is a book of heretics. A book of people who proudly commit mortal sin and run toward damnation.
Women are the bride of the Church. They are nuns who pray for the priests and help run the Church, or mothers who put the seed of faith into their children. Good Catholic Girls are not abortionists and heretics, they are mothers and the brides of Christ.
Women are the bride of the Church. They are nuns who pray for the priests and help run the Church, or mothers who put the seed of faith into their children. Good Catholic Girls are not abortionists and heretics, they are mothers and the brides of Christ.
November 20, 2020
Has done her research
very informative and eye-opening
very informative and eye-opening
September 18, 2024
A FASCINATING AND INFORMATIVE BOOK ABOUT VARIOUS "REFORM" MOVEMENTS
Angela Bonavoglia is a writer on women's issues and Church reform; she also wrote 'The Choices We Made: Twenty-Five Women and Men Speak Out About Abortion.'
She wrote in the Introduction to this 2005 book, "As I grew up, I saw how miserably the public Church failed to live up to its own ideals, deeply instilled in me, of justice and equality... By the time I was in my twenties, I became a Catholic in revolt.... But somewhere along the way, I gave up. I became a Catholic in exile, and a Catholic trapped...
"Today, I am an itinerant Catholic. I make my way to Mass as often as I can, hoping the sermon will not drive me away... Yet, what becomes of women in the Catholic Church will dictate what becomes of the Church itself. Women make up more than half of the Church's one billion members. When they leave, so do their children. Worldwide, the Church is in crisis... We are at a pivotal moment in terms of the Catholic women who are storming the Church's gates today.... these women are fighting for the soul of the Catholic Church, and they will not be moved.... This is their story."
She says in the first chapter, "For nuns, two major development causes cataclysmic changes in religious life. The first was the Sister Formation Movement of the 1950s... American nuns pursued advanced education as never before. They earned master's and doctoral degrees, becoming among the most educated employees of the Roman Catholic Church. The other influence was the Second Vatican Council... It called for the 'renewal of religious life,' empowering religious communities to change everything, from prayer rituals to internal governance to their place in the world." (Pg. 4)
She observes, "The opposition of the Vatican to inclusive language has been vocal and virulent. In the latest version of the Catholic catechism, for example, the Vatican refused to accept even the most unimposing inclusive language... A particularly powerful body of eleven men appointed by the Vatican---whose identities were kept secret... determined the final language for the Bible passages in the American lectionary, throwing out earlier inclusive versions approved by the U.S. bishops." (Pg. 35)
She admits, however, that "The majority of Catholics do not, however, join reform groups or reform activities... Even after the [pedophile] scandals broke, the combined membership of the largest U.S.-based reform groups---Call to Action and Voice of the Faithful---totaled less than sixty thousand, out of more than sixty million American Catholics." (Pg. 54)
She also records that "Sister Joan Chittister is opposed to abortion. But she presents her challenge to the Church's position. ... 'I will never, ever condemn a woman who has had an abortion. Why? Because of the Church has taught me.' She explains that 'the Church has nuanced every single life situation... It can always be modified, nuanced, justified.'" (Pg. 134)
She states, "in the world of Catholic women's parish ministry... thousands of Catholic women ministers ... are taking on responsibilities women never had before---by invitation, by necessity, and by choice. Catholic women have also assumed major administrative posts in the Church for the first time ever---from chancellors to canon lawyers to vicar generals to chiefs of finance, operations, personnel, and administrative affairs.
"In the late 1990s, women held 25 percent of the Catholic Church's top diocesan posts. And John Paul II has welcomed women to certain high-level Vatican positions... But it is the emergence of women into every area of ministry that has presented the greatest challenge to the all-male hierarchy... While Catholic feminist theologians are altering the face of God, these women are remaking the face of Catholic ministry." (Pg. 217)
She also notes, "Lay ministers, including women pastors, are officially forbidden to celebrate the Eucharist or the Mass, but in some places they are permitted to lead so-called 'Communion services.' These services... have become essential in many parishes that have no resident priest and would otherwise have no Sunday service at all... But the very fact that a Communion service may appear to be a Mass is deeply distressing to the Catholic hierarchy... Among the trend's 'disturbing implications,' they listed a 'blurring' of the lines between the ordained and the nonordained and between pastoral ministry and sacramental ministry, as well as a 'blurring of the need for priests,' which is obviously to them the most frightening thing of all." (Pg. 222-223)
This book will be "must reading" for any Catholics on the "progressive" side of the fence; and can even be read for informational purposes by those who disagree with the author's opinions.
Angela Bonavoglia is a writer on women's issues and Church reform; she also wrote 'The Choices We Made: Twenty-Five Women and Men Speak Out About Abortion.'
She wrote in the Introduction to this 2005 book, "As I grew up, I saw how miserably the public Church failed to live up to its own ideals, deeply instilled in me, of justice and equality... By the time I was in my twenties, I became a Catholic in revolt.... But somewhere along the way, I gave up. I became a Catholic in exile, and a Catholic trapped...
"Today, I am an itinerant Catholic. I make my way to Mass as often as I can, hoping the sermon will not drive me away... Yet, what becomes of women in the Catholic Church will dictate what becomes of the Church itself. Women make up more than half of the Church's one billion members. When they leave, so do their children. Worldwide, the Church is in crisis... We are at a pivotal moment in terms of the Catholic women who are storming the Church's gates today.... these women are fighting for the soul of the Catholic Church, and they will not be moved.... This is their story."
She says in the first chapter, "For nuns, two major development causes cataclysmic changes in religious life. The first was the Sister Formation Movement of the 1950s... American nuns pursued advanced education as never before. They earned master's and doctoral degrees, becoming among the most educated employees of the Roman Catholic Church. The other influence was the Second Vatican Council... It called for the 'renewal of religious life,' empowering religious communities to change everything, from prayer rituals to internal governance to their place in the world." (Pg. 4)
She observes, "The opposition of the Vatican to inclusive language has been vocal and virulent. In the latest version of the Catholic catechism, for example, the Vatican refused to accept even the most unimposing inclusive language... A particularly powerful body of eleven men appointed by the Vatican---whose identities were kept secret... determined the final language for the Bible passages in the American lectionary, throwing out earlier inclusive versions approved by the U.S. bishops." (Pg. 35)
She admits, however, that "The majority of Catholics do not, however, join reform groups or reform activities... Even after the [pedophile] scandals broke, the combined membership of the largest U.S.-based reform groups---Call to Action and Voice of the Faithful---totaled less than sixty thousand, out of more than sixty million American Catholics." (Pg. 54)
She also records that "Sister Joan Chittister is opposed to abortion. But she presents her challenge to the Church's position. ... 'I will never, ever condemn a woman who has had an abortion. Why? Because of the Church has taught me.' She explains that 'the Church has nuanced every single life situation... It can always be modified, nuanced, justified.'" (Pg. 134)
She states, "in the world of Catholic women's parish ministry... thousands of Catholic women ministers ... are taking on responsibilities women never had before---by invitation, by necessity, and by choice. Catholic women have also assumed major administrative posts in the Church for the first time ever---from chancellors to canon lawyers to vicar generals to chiefs of finance, operations, personnel, and administrative affairs.
"In the late 1990s, women held 25 percent of the Catholic Church's top diocesan posts. And John Paul II has welcomed women to certain high-level Vatican positions... But it is the emergence of women into every area of ministry that has presented the greatest challenge to the all-male hierarchy... While Catholic feminist theologians are altering the face of God, these women are remaking the face of Catholic ministry." (Pg. 217)
She also notes, "Lay ministers, including women pastors, are officially forbidden to celebrate the Eucharist or the Mass, but in some places they are permitted to lead so-called 'Communion services.' These services... have become essential in many parishes that have no resident priest and would otherwise have no Sunday service at all... But the very fact that a Communion service may appear to be a Mass is deeply distressing to the Catholic hierarchy... Among the trend's 'disturbing implications,' they listed a 'blurring' of the lines between the ordained and the nonordained and between pastoral ministry and sacramental ministry, as well as a 'blurring of the need for priests,' which is obviously to them the most frightening thing of all." (Pg. 222-223)
This book will be "must reading" for any Catholics on the "progressive" side of the fence; and can even be read for informational purposes by those who disagree with the author's opinions.
Read
June 9, 2016This is not just a feminist rant at one of the last "boys' clubs" remaining in the modern world. This is a considered attempt of one woman to find her way in an institution whose representatives at best, offer little that is genuinely helpful or enlightening, at worst, inappropriately try to break their vows of celibacy with her.
Want to read
August 29, 2007eh, i was angry in the bookstore
October 6, 2015
Lots of information, names and dates to follow, but very interesting. Somehow discouraging and encouraging at the same time, and completely thought-provoking at the least.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews