The Authentic Catholic Woman

by Genevieve Kineke

What does it mean to be a woman today? Is there a one-size-fits-all answer? How can a woman be truly Catholic and truly feminine, hard-working and creative, and yet be at peace within? How does she nurture life at home, at school, on the job or in the culture?

In this profound yet practical guide, Genevieve Kineke invites women to consider the Church, the Bride of Christ, as the model for authentic Catholic womanhood. "The mission of women is inscribed in the mystery of the Church," Pope John Paul II said. The author explores facets of this mystery—the Church as mother, bride, spouse and teacher, as sacramental, as font of wisdom, source of culture, and life-giving sanctuary—and reveals how women mirror the Church in their core identity.

Faithful to this authentic identity, women will play a critical role in rebuilding a civilization of love and life.

Genres: Catholic, Spirituality, Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2006

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from the Madonna house next door to me, and I loved it! It's comforting to read a Catholic book that finally emphasizes the importance of motherhood and femininity while also emphasizing the human desire for creativity, knowledge and education.

I think the reason why I enjoyed this book so much is because I did not feel like I was being grouped in a collective idea of "women." Instead, I felt like I was treated as an individual woman made in the image and likeness of God. This book discusses that every woman has a destiny and purpose through their identity as a female, not because of it. I will be reading this book again!

[Britt Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-thought-out presentation of the woman as Church (the Bride of Christ)that celebrates femininity and our gifts, all the while being clear that "girl power" is so much more than current perceptions. Sometimes people fear that discussion of and the embracing of gender differences somehow equate to inequality between the sexes. This book doesn't advocate being barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen any more than it advocates working outside the home. Rather, it cogently outlines the different facets of a woman and how they make her suited to live out the Faith.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to give this a higher rating, because there is a lot of good quality stuff in here, but I can't because it's mixed in with a bunch of frustrating cultural things - such as an obsession with etiquette/manners - that have little to do with being an authentic Catholic woman.

Still, if you can get past those things, I do think it's a worthy read.

How about a 3.5-ish haha?

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book that looks at what it means to be an "authentic Catholic woman"... not only what we 'do', but our inner motivation and perspectives. Insightful and liberating!!
Excellent!

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I never thought it would happen, but I cannot finish this book. It was terrible.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book would be much more beneficial to someone who is a mom and has a family. For me, I didn't get too much out of it.

[Mary Fabian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as great as other books.