Seventy-four Cents

This memoir traces one woman's the call to Catholic priesthood. A taste of her convent life begun at 14 is enhanced with teaching scenarios. After leaving the convent, she launches a start-stop career in church work in Detroit, Chicago and Minnesota. Though opposed to the ordination of priests, the actions of the American Catholic Bishops push her to seek it.

The hundred plus women ordained Catholic priests each have a unique story. Marty's includes using "chicken shit" and a cigarette pack as sermon hooks, teaching contraceptives, making referrals to pet therapy, an independent study of sex, and rationale for Catholic Churches to pay property tax. The state of health care reform weaves through stories of the author's experiences as a VA and hospital chaplain.

Written for everyone, the non-Catholic gains insight into why the Catholic Church is having problems. Sprinkled with hope for the future of the Catholic Church, hard issues are discussed including: abortion, suicide, contraceptives, end of life, PTSD and clergy abuse.

The vision of the Second Vatican Council weaves through the memoir. Highlighted by Pope Francis, it's return to the forefront gives optimism for a relevant, dynamic, Catholic Church in the near future.