Anita DiGregory
Are you a struggling mom? Do you feel like you are failing? Do you feel like your efforts are never quite good enough? If so, local mom and author Colleen Duggan has some practical and spiritual advice for you. On April 29, 2018, in honor of Mother’s Day, the Seton Shrine hosted a “Chat with an Author,” featuring Duggan and her book, Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom, which has a 5-star Amazon rating.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born U.S. saint, faced many struggles in her life. Because Mother Seton was a young wife, mother, and resident of Emmitsburg, the Seton Shrine was thrilled to invite Duggan to share her message with the community. The event, which was well attended, included a talk, a question and answer session with the audience, a book signing, and refreshments. The free event was the third in the series, with the next talk (featuring Thirty-Three Breaths: A Little Book on Meditation author Father Jack Lombardi) scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on August 19, 2018.
Duggan, a wife and mother herself, was happy to meet with the community and share her personal “confessions” on imperfect motherhood. In a refreshingly humble and honest manner, Duggan shared stories from her life and the lessons she has gathered along the way. As a woman who has struggled with the challenges of trying to be the “perfect” wife and mother, Duggan communicated the hopes, fears, joys, and sufferings of her journey thus far.
With the honesty of a best friend, Duggan invites her reader into her life. With all of her “confessions” as separate chapters (including I Don’t Know How to Master Motherhood, I Don’t Always Take Care of Myself as I Should, I Don’t Know How to Keep My Kids Catholic, I Don’t Like Watching My Children Suffer, and I Sometimes Compare Myself with Other Parents), Duggan tackles each heart-wrenching subject with a humble and honest approach, interspersing advice from spiritual advisors, counselors, and saints.
In addition to sharing her stories and lessons with the reader, she has questions for reflection at the end of each chapter. Another unique element of the book is that each chapter ends in a heartfelt prayer for moms struggling with that particular “confession.”
Duggan adds, “Maybe you feel like everything is up to you, that you have to get everything right or you’ll destroy your kids’ lives. Maybe you think creating perfect Catholics, who stay Catholic, is something you can control. Maybe you struggle with doing everything “right” but know the ill effect of this approach to life. If so, this book is for you.”
Those looking for helpful, friendly advice on motherhood can also reference Duggan’s blog at Colleenmurphyduggan.com. In addition, you can find her photography and a free, downloadable group study guide for Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom on the site.
Colleen Duggan discusses her book, Good Enough is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom, at Seton Shrine Chat with an Author Series in April.
