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Growing Up Catholic: An Infinitely Funny Guide for the Faithful, the Fallen, and Everyone In-Between
Paperback book. This is a Dolphin book, 1984, Dolphin edition is the First publication of Growing up Catholic. Total 144 pages. The spine is tight, no missing pages, no writing in the book other than the previous owner's signature, no torn pages. The first inside title page is signed in ink by the previous owner, NOT the author. Has lots of illustrations by Bob Kiley in black and white. "An infinitely funny guide for the faithful, the fallen, and everyone in between." Authors, Mary Jane Frances Cavolina Meara, Jeffrey Allen Joseph Stone, Maureen Anne Teresa Kelly, Richard glen Michael Davis. A very entertaining book that we are certain any catholic should be able to relate. Makes a great, fun gift to a friend or one that you can read and pass on to someone else to enjoy.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 26, 2013
"Insiders’ Revelations for the Devout, the Dutiful and the Dubious"
In under 150 pages four enthusiastic products of Catholic upbringing present a delightfully nostalgic—if irreverent--expose for the enlightenment and edification of the non-initiated. In humorously succinct fashion they offer readers this handy-dandy instruction book with explicit directions--a holy How-To manual for promoting moral rectitude in a wayward world. Are you considering upgrading from some lesser faith? No matter if you are an Atheist, Protestant or Buddhist; this cleverly all-inclusive guide prepares future converts for all sacred events—from Baptism to Bingo. Even if you were not privileged to GROW UP CATHOLIC--treat it as an abbreviated but highly palatable free pass on the Soul Train from Baltimore.
Written with deep fondness by four Catholic School survivors (two gals, two guys) this collection of vivid memories and neo-scandalous satire provides entertaining reading for anyone remotely curious about RC traditions—especially meaningful for those in danger of beatific backsliding. This wonderful book answers all those questions which outsiders never dare ask directly--boldly treating topics undreamed of by heathens. Boasting many modern literary aids the text is enlivened by b/w photos of real people, exacting diagrams, cartoon-friendly sketches and the ever–popular Match Up quiz format. If you think you know or remember so much, challenge yourself—-to not laugh out loud! This book is definitely NOT for Catholics Only--it stands (that is, kneels) as a Missal for Merriment not to be missed!
(May 26, 2010)
In under 150 pages four enthusiastic products of Catholic upbringing present a delightfully nostalgic—if irreverent--expose for the enlightenment and edification of the non-initiated. In humorously succinct fashion they offer readers this handy-dandy instruction book with explicit directions--a holy How-To manual for promoting moral rectitude in a wayward world. Are you considering upgrading from some lesser faith? No matter if you are an Atheist, Protestant or Buddhist; this cleverly all-inclusive guide prepares future converts for all sacred events—from Baptism to Bingo. Even if you were not privileged to GROW UP CATHOLIC--treat it as an abbreviated but highly palatable free pass on the Soul Train from Baltimore.
Written with deep fondness by four Catholic School survivors (two gals, two guys) this collection of vivid memories and neo-scandalous satire provides entertaining reading for anyone remotely curious about RC traditions—especially meaningful for those in danger of beatific backsliding. This wonderful book answers all those questions which outsiders never dare ask directly--boldly treating topics undreamed of by heathens. Boasting many modern literary aids the text is enlivened by b/w photos of real people, exacting diagrams, cartoon-friendly sketches and the ever–popular Match Up quiz format. If you think you know or remember so much, challenge yourself—-to not laugh out loud! This book is definitely NOT for Catholics Only--it stands (that is, kneels) as a Missal for Merriment not to be missed!
(May 26, 2010)
July 13, 2015
My mother-in-law insisted I read this. She found it hilarious and seemed to think it applied to her generation (grew up in the 50's), but it was really written by people who grew up in the 60's and 70's from what I could tell. Didn't read this edition, but the original. I am not sure what was updated between editions. It was funny, but really is probably funnier if you actually are Roman Catholic and can relate personally to the inside jokes. I did get the theological jokes since being Lutheran is just Catholic Lite.
May 17, 2013
This was funny. Not all of it applied to me because I never went to catholic school, but a lot of it was right on the money. It wasn't mean spirited either, just kind of poking fun not so much at Catholic teaching but more like Catholic customs and culture. I thought it was funny. I would say probably most Catholics wouldn't be offended if they read this, though there may be a few who wouldn't like it.
February 26, 2008
Another hilarious look at my life - growing up Catholic is right on the money. We all had a "Father What A Waste" in our schools or parishes.
July 17, 2014
I grew up Catholic in England, and the subtitle to this book—An infinitely funny guide for the faithful, the fallen, and everyone in-between—made me eager to read. Was the Catholic experience in America the same? Is American humor the same? And how much would the authors say the church had changed and grown?
Actually, it seems the experience of growing up Catholic in England is different from in America. There were many images I could relate to—nuns casting their wimples and wearing blacks and blues, the sharply wielded ruler (though it was a rare event, evoking horror and amazement in my world), kneeling down to prove my skirt was long enough, and, of course, the uneasy question of “What’s a mortal sin?” But lots of things felt alien to me too. I’d never heard of the Baltimore Catechism, measuring years of indulgences made me think of the middle ages, and a lot of cultural references (to movies and books) belonged (not surprisingly) to a different world.
I liked the gentle humor of this book—not infinitely funny after all, but honest, with a self-deprecating sense of chatting among friends. I liked the illustrations, quirky questions (how near is a near occasion for sin?), questionnaires (match these martyrs to their martyrdoms), and the gentle parodies of church vacations or church magazines. But I wished the book had been truly updated, rather than just updated to the Millennium. Of course, it’s called “The Commemorative Catholic Jubilee Edition” so I should have known. But so much has happened recently to make chapters on recent Popes or canonization procedures feel oddly out of date.
My favorite piece is a nun’s recollection of how she made a difficult class obey her. My parents were teachers. Her story rang pleasingly true. And my conclusion is it’s a good fun book, eminently ripe for its next update.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
Actually, it seems the experience of growing up Catholic in England is different from in America. There were many images I could relate to—nuns casting their wimples and wearing blacks and blues, the sharply wielded ruler (though it was a rare event, evoking horror and amazement in my world), kneeling down to prove my skirt was long enough, and, of course, the uneasy question of “What’s a mortal sin?” But lots of things felt alien to me too. I’d never heard of the Baltimore Catechism, measuring years of indulgences made me think of the middle ages, and a lot of cultural references (to movies and books) belonged (not surprisingly) to a different world.
I liked the gentle humor of this book—not infinitely funny after all, but honest, with a self-deprecating sense of chatting among friends. I liked the illustrations, quirky questions (how near is a near occasion for sin?), questionnaires (match these martyrs to their martyrdoms), and the gentle parodies of church vacations or church magazines. But I wished the book had been truly updated, rather than just updated to the Millennium. Of course, it’s called “The Commemorative Catholic Jubilee Edition” so I should have known. But so much has happened recently to make chapters on recent Popes or canonization procedures feel oddly out of date.
My favorite piece is a nun’s recollection of how she made a difficult class obey her. My parents were teachers. Her story rang pleasingly true. And my conclusion is it’s a good fun book, eminently ripe for its next update.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
August 6, 2014
Growing up Catholic, The Commemorative Catholic Jubilee Edition by Mary Jane Frances Cavolina, Jeffrey Allen Joseph Stone, Maureen Ann Teresa Kelly and Richard Glen Michael Davis
You have got to be a hard core Catholic to understand and appreciate this book. I found the contents to be humors, accurate and a little insulting to the whole catholic religion. You will defiantly get more than a few chuckles out of this book. The sad thing about all the descriptions is that they are right on and describe our religion to a tee. You will find yourself laughing over and over again. If you have a question about the Catholic faith you are sure to find a laugh out loud answer here. Growing Up Catholic will have you looking for sin around every corner. I give Growing Up Catholic 4 stars.
I want to thank the authors Mary Jane Frances Cavolina, Jeffrey Allen Joseph Stone, Maureen Ann Teresa Kelly and Richard Glen Michael Davis and publisher Broadway Books for bringing good clean Christian books like this one to readers like me. I would also like to thank Blogging for Books for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.
You have got to be a hard core Catholic to understand and appreciate this book. I found the contents to be humors, accurate and a little insulting to the whole catholic religion. You will defiantly get more than a few chuckles out of this book. The sad thing about all the descriptions is that they are right on and describe our religion to a tee. You will find yourself laughing over and over again. If you have a question about the Catholic faith you are sure to find a laugh out loud answer here. Growing Up Catholic will have you looking for sin around every corner. I give Growing Up Catholic 4 stars.
I want to thank the authors Mary Jane Frances Cavolina, Jeffrey Allen Joseph Stone, Maureen Ann Teresa Kelly and Richard Glen Michael Davis and publisher Broadway Books for bringing good clean Christian books like this one to readers like me. I would also like to thank Blogging for Books for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 5, 2022
I laughed out loud so many times while reading this book, which was loaned to me by a dear friend who’s a lifelong Catholic and was educated in Catholic schools. I kept thinking, “ I am so glad I didn’t grow up Catholic!”
I am a convert to Catholism and raised my children in the church. I am so grateful for the roots of my Protestant faith! After reading this book, I understand why so many fell away from the church after having to endure a Latin mass (Yep, that’s a great way to hear and understand God’s Word, LOL!) or being whacked by stern nuns. And the list of rules! I am grateful the Church has drastically changed over the years.
Funny and quick read of all things Catholic!
I am a convert to Catholism and raised my children in the church. I am so grateful for the roots of my Protestant faith! After reading this book, I understand why so many fell away from the church after having to endure a Latin mass (Yep, that’s a great way to hear and understand God’s Word, LOL!) or being whacked by stern nuns. And the list of rules! I am grateful the Church has drastically changed over the years.
Funny and quick read of all things Catholic!
April 8, 2021
I read the original edition back in the eighties and loved every page. It brought back so many fun memories. However, as another reviewer pointed out, this book reflects the experiences of the Boomer generation. Perhaps someone from the Gen X or Millennial cohort can write a new version from their perspective.
November 20, 2007
If you grew up Catholic you'll laugh so hard while reading this that you'll choke on your wine.
July 3, 2010
a very funny gift from a coworker.
humorous, sad, nostolgic, pathetic, outragagous, silly, all at once...
humorous, sad, nostolgic, pathetic, outragagous, silly, all at once...
April 22, 2014
light & funny
April 18, 2025
"The tiny woman looked down and saw the face of Jesus on a tortilla"
Great satire tongue in cheek book that made me laugh a lot. It reminded me of moments as a child seeing people take the customs and traditions too seriously. It's in the same vein as "Christianity Made me Talk Like an Idiot" but this book is more light hearted and the lists made me chuckle. We all had little routines and rules that we just followed because they were normalized but in reality they were very weird.
"You know if its a miracle if it happens to children. (It never happens to an older person.)".
"How late can you arrive and still fulfill the obligation? Just before the Gospel (Generally fifteen minutes into Mass).".
"Saturday Afternoon Mass: This counts as Sunday... the getting it over with category".
Great satire tongue in cheek book that made me laugh a lot. It reminded me of moments as a child seeing people take the customs and traditions too seriously. It's in the same vein as "Christianity Made me Talk Like an Idiot" but this book is more light hearted and the lists made me chuckle. We all had little routines and rules that we just followed because they were normalized but in reality they were very weird.
"You know if its a miracle if it happens to children. (It never happens to an older person.)".
"How late can you arrive and still fulfill the obligation? Just before the Gospel (Generally fifteen minutes into Mass).".
"Saturday Afternoon Mass: This counts as Sunday... the getting it over with category".
February 3, 2020
Very comical! Only thing is that it reflects more on "older" Catholics.
April 13, 2021
In enjoyed realizing others enjoyed the humor and struggles of growing up Catholic. This book parallels some of the themes in my memoir, "Bless Me Father for I have Sinned."
November 24, 2025
3 & a half stars. If you are not, or were not raised as a Roman Catholic, this won’t be as funny to you. But, If you know- you know!😆
April 16, 2020
GROWING UP CATHOLIC is a witty look at our faith from preVatican II up to the book's 1985 copyright. Written by four Catholic school graduates, the book is reverent, reminiscent and hilarious in its discussion of everything from the teachings of the Baltimore Catechism to Sainthood. As the authors indicate it is "An Infinitely Funny Guide for the Faithful, the Fallen, and Everyone In-Between", including curious non Catholics. Enjoy reading this affectionate look into the glorious mysteries of "Growing Up Catholic".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2009
This was seriously nothing but a collection of humor everyone's already heard and stuff that isn't as cliche that also wasn't very funny either. Assigned reading for a humor writing class, and sadly not as a guide on what not to do. Probably funny to a small number of people who went through the Catholic school process who have never heard anyone talk jokingly about Catholicism, but even then...
January 18, 2017
I'm not a Catholic, never have been, but I got a lot out of this book. It's funny, and set up kind of haphazardly like a magazine with different stories and odd sections to keep you entertained. I hope they do a revision soon— the last one was 17 years ago, so yeah, I might say it's a little out of date. Still, super fun read.
March 7, 2017
This book was at times very funny, yet some things were a bit too much. It was written mainly for people, like the authors, who were born in the 1950's, but many things in the book are still true for today. Everything you've known about growing up Catholic is covered in this book.
June 29, 2022
From the cover - “An infinitely funny guide for the faithful, the fallen and everyone in between.”
Although somewhat dated since the book was written in 1985, it was an entertaining read and spoof on growing up Catholic.
Although somewhat dated since the book was written in 1985, it was an entertaining read and spoof on growing up Catholic.
February 22, 2021
As someone Who went to Catholic grade school and high school from 57 to 69; I love this book. I swear one of the authors must’ve been in my class. I’ve given copies to so many people of the time and they’ve all loved it.Funny, satirical, but yet wistful for a simpler time.
March 7, 2008
If you (or your parents) did, this book will make you pee your pants laughing!
January 8, 2009
a scarily accurate peek into what my childhood looked like. see, high school classmates - i'm not the only one who always walked around with a well-worn st. christopher medal!
February 20, 2012
always a fun read...
May 2, 2013
Informative for non-catholics like me. Otherwise, filled with awful jokes.
March 17, 2017
Time to re-read and re-assess
November 14, 2017
Growing Up Catholic brings back memories of my dad's stories from his childhood.
October 19, 2007
I laughed by behind off reading this! A great tongue-in-cheek look at the Catholic faith.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews