Meet the Author
Karen Lueck is a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration. She has spent much of her life recognizing the goodness in herself and others. As an educator, mental health counselor, spiritual director and leader in her congregation of Catholic Sisters, she acted as a cheerleader for the people with whom she ministered. In her first book, "Cheering for the Good: Leading When It Matters," Sister Karen's urges all of us to step up and be the change.
Her new book, "The Green Thread: Reclaiming Our Spiritual Authority," is part memoir, part research narrative about what happens when church and earthly powers form an unholy alliance to keep people, especially women, subservient. "The Green Thread" debuted in September 2025.
The Green Thread: Reclaiming Our Spiritual Authority
Sister Karen's new book, "The Green Thread: Reclaiming Our Spiritual Authority," is part memoir, part research narrative about what happens when church and earthly powers form an unholy alliance to keep people, especially women, subservient. Sister Karen uses her own family history as a template to lay bare the intergenerational trauma suffered by conquered peoples, and the resilience embraced by those who recognize their own spiritual authority to speak truth to power. To purchase, check your local bookseller or buy online.
Praise for "The Green Thread"
"The Green Thread" is both a deeply personal account of one woman's journey to reconnect with her ancestral spiritual roots and an incredibly intelligent, well-researched and comprehensive exploration of the challenges so many women face to reclaim their full spiritual sovereignty. Like Karen, too many of us carry nuggets of hidden fear and shame that have been passed down to us through our maternal spiritual lineage. Karen explores the origins of those insidious fears for white women of European descent and offers profound insights into moving beyond these limitations. Her book comes at just the right moment when the world desperately needs women to bring the fullness of their feminine spiritual leadership. - Kathlyn Schaaf
Upcoming Author Events
Reclaiming the Green Thread: A Call to Spiritual Courage
March 7
9-11:30 a.m. CT
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 Boyson Road, Hiawatha, IA 52233
Join Sister Karen Lueck as she presents timely themes from her latest book, The Green Thread: Reclaiming Our Spiritual Authority. She will lead us through the importance of owning our stories and understanding how shame, intergenerational trauma and cultural suppression shape us. We'll also confront the complicated legacy of Christianity — how systems like Christian nationalism distort Jesus' teachings and silence the very people called to lead with compassion.
Visit prairiewoods.org for more information and to register by March 6.
April 19
2 p.m. CT
Carnegie Stout Public Library, 360 W 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
Ongoing
Sister Karen offers a number of book sharings with small groups in person or by Zoom. Contact us here to schedule.
Coming Soon!
Lenten Reflections From a Franciscan Woman
Sister Karen's six-week Lenten reflections series starts on Ash Wednesday, February 18. "During this period of Lent, I want women, especially, to see themselves not as sinners, but as the beloved of God. It makes a big difference."
Week One
Reflection coming Ash Wednesday!
Week 2
Week Three
Week Four
Week Five
Week Six
Cheering For The Good: Leading When It Matters
When asked about her favorite message from her first book, "Cheering for the Good," Sister Karen said, "I love a paragraph in the last chapter of the book, entitled Standing on Holy Ground: 'I am cheering for you to be the best leaders you can be. Remember, everyone is a leader, so you have plenty of partners in this mission. If any of you decide to sit this one out, to let someone else do it, to count on the experts to carry out our mission, we as a whole will be immensely poorer. And the earth and its creatures will suffer. We're counting on each other. Together we commit ourselves, a tiny band of pilgrims, united in love, on a journey of transformation, to bring life, love and presence to a world aching to be healed and transformed.'"
Sister Karen reads from "Cheering For The Good"
Podcast: What is Spirituality?
The Franciscan Spirituality Center featured Sister Karen on its podcast, "What is Spirituality?," hosted by FSC Spiritual Director Steve Spilde.
Invite Sister Karen to a Book Discussion
Sister Karen welcomes opportunities to discuss her books as a guest at book clubs or gatherings, either in-person or virtual.