A Day in the Life of Two Deacons in the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests, July 10, 2011

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF TWO ARCWP DEACONS
JULY 10, 2011,

AGAPE GATHERING WITH THEOLOGY CLUB
It is the Sabbath and Miriam and I co-facilitate an adult faith sharing at our church on the Sunday’s readings. Today was extra special because we also had an Agape Gathering for our Theology Club this afternoon. Each week we have been gathering in New Smyrna Beach, about 50 minutes away, to share thoughts on various theological issues. The group has used the “Living the Questions” series and it has been wonderful. It is such a great group of inter-faith folks that we invited them to come to Palm Coast to share an Agape with us and to hear about the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests. They have been curious about our venture and very supportive of us. At our third visit with them, they surprised us by taking up a collection so we can get a set of the “Living the Questions” series and start a Theology Club here in Palm Coast! We were amazed at their concern and generosity! We pray extra special for them. May Godde bless them ten-fold

There was a terrible thundering rain storm today and we wondered if anyone would come. It was a blinding rain! It was about 2:00 when we heard from a carload of four of our new found friends. The rain was slowing their arrival, but they were coming. We had a plan, but the Spirit changed it around due to the fact that folks were calling and arriving late. With our first four arrivals an instant decision was made to eat and share their appetizers and desserts first so that others would have time to arrive. Everyone was late, but we had ten women and men come from the Theology Club! As we were about to have our Agape another couple called and said they were coming but would be about 20 minutes later.

Again the Spirit shifted our agenda and we shared about the history of the Roman Catholic Women Priests. We showed the new video sharing the Vision and Mission of ARCWP. Click link to view http://youtu.be/IvKwNsViyk4

Then we showed a video where Bridget Mary Meehan told the story of RCWP from 2002 to 2008. Click link to view. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8317430528624416961#

I brought the history to the current date and shared how Miriam and I became involved and were ordained deacons in April. We had some great questions and discussion. Some were pleased we can Baptize and preside at weddings and funerals. They will keep us in mind as those occasions happen. We gave each of them a copy of the ARCWP brochure. Our last couple arrived on time to share about ARCWP and then we were ready to have our Agape Gathering.

Miriam presided and started the shared homily. I helped with homily and music. One of our members played the violin for our opening song, “All Are Welcome.” He played beautifully!! The song was especially appropriate to me and Miriam because it was the first time we had an Agape in our new home in our prayer room. We truly want all to know they are welcome in our home! While having our Agape the sun came out and it was a beautiful sign to us that Godde was in this place. There were twelve of us gathered around the table. How providential!

The group participated in sponstaneous prayers of petition and thanksgiving and prayed together over our bread and wine which we shared. As one said, it was a very moving and special time. I saw one person tear up as our Godde was ministering love to all of us. The Theology Club facilitator expressed thankfulness that what was happening on this Sabbath is what should happen every Sabbath. He was especially pleased to see that the Theology Club was now becoming a real community of friends. He thanked us for becoming a part of the club and for opening our home for the wonderful sharing of the day. He also felt that God would be growing our ministry. Another said she had friends who would like to meet us and share an Agape in her home in New Smyrna Beach. Everyone thanked us for our hospitality for which we are eager to share with others.

Miriam had us pair off and pray a blessing for each other before we closed with the song, “We Are Called.” Even then folks wanted to share, but it was late and they had another long drive to return home. At least they had a sunny drive: sunny in weather and warm in Spirit. They cannot imagine what a blessing they were to us. We continue to trust that our Godde is in control and is leading people into our lives and us into a special ministry of acceptance and love. Would that the Roman Catholic Church would genuinely accept all of us, worts and all. But we do what we can while waiting for RCC to hear Godde’s voice calling us to true unconditional love and acceptance. If we can do this with this microcosm, it is possible to do it in the universal church. Come Holy Spirit!

Wanda Russell & Miriam Picconi

Deacons: ARCWP, Palm Coast, Florida

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priestshttp://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/