About Mitch . . .
Mitch Finley grew up in the Pacific Northwest and attended both Catholic and public schools. Following four years in the U.S. Navy, he earned a B.A. in Religious Studies from Santa Clara University and an M.A. in Theology from Marquette University. A former adjunct instructor in the Religious Studies Department of Gonzaga University, he is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in many Catholic magazines and newspapers (including America, Our Sunday Visitor, National Catholic Reporter, Notre Dame Magazine, Living Faith: Daily Catholic Devotions, National Catholic Register, Praying, U. S. Catholic, St. Anthony Messenger, Catholic Digest, and Liguorian) and national level secular publications (including Outdoor Life, Writer's Digest, and Alaska Airlines Magazine).
For ten years Mitch wrote a regular book reviews column for The Catechist's Connection.
Mitch is also the author of more than 30 books, including The Seeker's Guide to Being Catholic (Wipf & Stock), It's Not the Same Without You: Coming Home to the Catholic Church (Wipf & Stock), 101 Ways to Happiness: Nourishing Body, Mind and Soul (Liguori Publications), Whispers of God's Love: Touching the Lives of Loved Ones After Death (Liguori Publications), Key Moments in Church History (Sheed & Ward), The Heart and Soul of Imitating Christ: A Fresh Look at the Thomas à Kempis Classic (Liguori Publications), The Patron Saints Handbook (The Word Among Us Press), and The Rosary Handbook: A Guide for Newcomers, Old Timers, and Those In-Between (The Word Among Us Press).
Mitch's books and articles received many honors and awards, including eleven Catholic Press Association Awards, an Excellence in Writing Award from the prestigious American Society of Journalists and Authors, several awards from the Washington Press Association, and a Silver Medal Award and an Award for Excellence from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Mitch contributed the article on "Family" for The Harper-Collins Encyclopedia of Catholicism, Richard McBrien, General Editor (HarperSanFrancisco, 1995).
Education
MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY - M.A., (Theology)
SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY - B.A., (Religious Studies)
Activities & Affiliations
• Catholic Media Association, Freelance Member
• Inland N.W. Bluegrass Music Association, Member
• U.S. Navy veteran (1964-1968). Honorable discharge as a petty officer second-class (E-5).
About Kathy . . .
Kathy Finley grew up in western and eastern Washington state and attended both Catholic and public schools. She earned a B.A. in Theology from Gonzaga University and, following one academic year at the ecumenical Chicago Theological Seminary–where she gained a deep sensitivity concerning ecumenical perspectives and issues–she earned an M.A. in Religious Education from Fordham University.
After three years as assistant director of campus ministry at Gonzaga University, in Spokane, Kathy earned an M.A. in Counseling Psychology, from Gonzaga. She is a former director of L'Arche Spokane, which is part of an international network of communities for developmentally disabled adults and assistants who live and work with them. She was also formerly director of formation at Mater Dei Institute, a ministry formation program for graduate students at Gonzaga University.
For many years Kathy was an Adjunct and Visiting Instructor in the Religious Studies Department of Gonzaga University. A freelance speaker and writer, she also provides pre-marriage counseling for engaged couples at St. Aloysius Parish in Spokane. A licensed mental health counselor in private practice, Kathy also has worked for many years with individuals in spiritual direction, which is an opportunity to reflect with an experienced guide on how one's relationship with God is going.
Kathy's most recent books are Holy Together: Reflections On Married Spirituality (Resource Publications), Savoring God: Praying With All Our Senses (Wipf & Stock); a Catholic Press Association Book Award-winner, The Liturgy of Motherhood: Moments of Grace (Sheed & Ward); Welcome! Prayers for New and Pregnant Parents (Wipf & Stock); Dear God: Prayers for Families With Children (Wipf & Stock); and Prayers for the Newly Married (ACTA Publications).
Education
GONZAGA UNIVERSITY - M.A., Counseling Psychology
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY - M.A., Religious Education
GONZAGA UNIVERSITY - B.A., Theology
Activities & Affiliations
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor, State of Washington
• Member, Spiritual Directors International
Kathy & Mitch at Home
Kathy & Mitch Finley live in beautiful Spokane, Washington. They are nationally recognized, award-winning Catholic authors and speakers. Their many exciting, inspirational books, and their live presentations, focus on topics related to practical, everyday spirituality and authentic faith in today's world and in the contemporary Church.
Together the Finleys address topics related to marriage and family life. Kathy is a popular speaker and retreat director on issues related to women's spirituality. Mitch speaks and leads retreats and workshops on men's spirituality. Happily married since 1974, Mitch and Kathy have been working in Church-related ministries since before they met, and they are the parents of three grown sons. For many years Mitch was a regular contributor to "Living Faith: Daily Catholic Devotions," and Kathy contributed for several years to "Living Faith Kids."
Kathy and Mitch. An early spring morning on the side porch of their home in Spokane, Washington.
Thanksgiving Day, 2015 with sons (L to R) Kevin, Patrick and Sean with wives Michelle and Vanessa. In front are the old folks. . .
Riverfront Park, city center Spokane
Spokane, Washington