Fortunate Families: Catholic families with lesbian daughters and gay sons

By Mary Ellen Lopata

Book Overview

Fortunate Families addresses the experience of Catholic parents who love their gay sons and lesbian daughters. The book had its genesis in a descriptive survey of over 200 such parents. It integrates results from the survey, church documents and stories so readers can access what they need most. Some readers will search for accurate information about Catholic teaching, others may connect with the lived experience of other Catholic parents. Still others will find examples of ministerial advocacy and support within the Catholic Church. Fortunate Families has all this and more. Conventional wisdom emphasizes the stories of parents who react to the news that their child is gay in verbally or physically abusive ways. These stories are told so often they take on an aura of normalcy. But there are other stories - of parents who struggle against the pressures of society and church to find and believe in the goodness of their gay child. It is critically important for parents to hear the stories of others who walked the same road before them-who have come through the experience closer to their gay or lesbian child, and who are willing to work to make the church more welcoming. Equally important is the opportunity for pastoral ministers to hear the voices of these parents and understand the need for outreach and pastoral care for gay and lesbian Catholics and their families. Fortunate Families will help prepare pastoral ministers help families come out of their isolation, work through their confusion and pain, and celebrate how fortunate they actually are.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1412011892
• ISBN13: 9781412011891
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Length: 180 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.4" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Consoling and informing Words

My daughter recently told us she thinks she is bi-sexual and has started a relationship with a woman. This has been devastating news to us because of so many reasons. What did we do wrong in raising her? It was very disappointing knowing we may never have grand children, etc. One major issue for me was that I was a woman who is very involved with our church. Could I still be involved now? It was especially hard when certain issues would come up in groups and many people spoke in the negative about gay people. I am not ready to begin talking about it to anyone but my family but this book helped me to know that I am not alone and that the church does support us and our children. This book needs to be (should be read) read by many more priests and heads of ministries in the church. People need to remember that no matter how important they are in the church that we are all less than perfect and that our God still loves us and will always love us. If you are Catholic and have a gay child read this book. It will give you a lot of wisdom and help you feel supported. Thanks.

A "Must Read" for parents and for catholics in general

Great Book! Mary Ellen captures the essence of the struggle of catholic parents of gay and/or lesbian sons and daughters. She approaches the subjuct faithfully, honestly, and hopefully. The book is not a "how to" or even an answer book. It is a help along the journey. I wish it was around when I came out to mom and dad!