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McCabe Renewal Center - Book Review
The following reflection is provided by Felicia Schneiderhan, MFA, essayist, and a contributing voice to the newly released book, From the Pews in the Back: Young Women and Catholicism. (Liturgical Press)
As a young Catholic woman, I had been writing for years about my experience – my struggles and lessons – in the Catholic Church. But I never shared this writing with anyone; I didn’t think there was anyone or any place that was interested in what I had to say.
And then I learned about a new project, a call for submissions to an anthology of essays called From the Pews in the Back. Started by two Harvard divinity students, Kate Dugan and Jen Owens, this new anthology brings together writing from 29 women about the place young women are claiming in a church that often consigns them to the pews in the back. These brief memoirs offer a glimpse into what it means to be young, Catholic, and female in today’s church.
From the Pews in the Back is a new chapter in the dialogue about the role of women in the church. The voices of these women range from inspiring and energetic to challenging and wounded. Ultimately, though, these women are stubbornly hopeful. They ask hard questions of the institution and are not willing to take easy answers.
The Reading and Release Party is an exciting event for several reasons. Editors and writers will read and discuss the project and how it has spread across the country through a popular blog. The event will also feature an open mike reading, where Catholic women 18-35 years old are welcome to read two pages of their own writing on what it’s like to be a young woman in today’s church.
If you have something to say about being a young Catholic woman, this is the place to let your voice be heard. If you want to hear what young Catholic women are thinking and experiencing, join them for listening and conversation.
Copies of the book, From the Pews in the Back, are now available for purchase at a 20% discount at McCabe Center.