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" will be released in September 2025.
The Green Thread: Reclaiming Our Spiritual Authority
Coming September 2025! 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.
Preorder information coming soon!
Author Events
Thursday, Sept. 18, 6 - 8 p.m.
Book Launch Party, Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Book Discussion, hosted by the Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Thursdays, Nov. 6, 13 and 20, 5:30-7 p.m.
Women's Discussion Series, hosted by the Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin
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"
Loyola University Chicago: "Alumni Author Spotlight"
Listen to the podcasts
The Franciscan Spirituality Center, located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, featured Sister Karen on its podcast, "What is Spirituality?" (episode 10), hosted by FSC Spiritual Director Steve Spilde. Sister Karen was also featured in the Diocese of La Crosse's podcast, "Connecting the Diocese," hosted by Jack Socha.
Where to purchase "Cheering or the Good: Leading When It Matters"
Online at Outskirts Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble Available in La Crosse, Wisconsin at Pearl Street Books
Invite Sister Karen to a book discussion
Sister Karen welcomes opportunities to discuss her book as a guest in online book clubs or hosted gatherings, either virtual or in-person. Contact us for more information.