My Call to Be a Priest by Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

I didn’t set out to become a Roman Catholic woman priest. Like many of you, I was simply trying to follow God as best I could—one step, one prayer, one yes at a time.

Looking back now, I can see how the Spirit was gently guiding me, even when I didn’t yet have the words for where I was being led.

My story begins in a small cottage in Ireland, where my mother, Bridie, welcomed neighbors with tea and scones around our family table, and my dad filled our home with lively music on the trumpet. It was there, in the warmth of family, faith, and simple joys, that I first encountered a God who was close, loving, and alive in everyday life.

That same Spirit has led me on a journey—from those early days in Ireland to inclusive communities today, where the Eucharistic table is open and all are invited to receive spiritual nourishment without exception… see story on Substack

https://substack.com/@bridgetmarymeehan/note/c-243231482?r=2kfqor&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

 https://substack.com/@bridgetmarymeehan/note/c-243231482?r=2kfqor&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

It Only Takes Two or Three: A Community of Equals Gathered in Love by Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

 

You might wonder:

Am I ready? Do I have enough?

But listen again to Jesus’ promise:
two or three are enough.

Invite a few companions.
Sit together.
Share your stories—of longing, of exclusion, of grace.

In that sacred listening, something begins to form.
Not an institution—but a community.
Not a program—but a living Body of Christ.

An Open Table of Love

At the heart of these communities is the table.

A table where no one is turned away.
A table where Eucharist is not a reward for the worthy, but nourishment for the journey.
A table where Christ is present—in the bread, in the cup, and in one another.

We remember:
This is God’s table—and all are welcome.

And in that welcome, healing begins.


What we are witnessing is not the end of the Church—
it is a new beginning.

A Church where:

leadership is shared
voices are honored
justice flows from prayer
and love is the center of everything

A Church that looks more like the community Jesus lived and loved.

Trust the Spirit

You do not need to have all the answers.
You do not need to know exactly what will unfold.

You only need to trust.

Trust the nudge within you.
Trust the companions who gather.
Trust the Spirit who is already ahead of you, preparing the way.

An Invitation

So begin simply.

Gather.
Pray.
Break bread.
Listen.
Love.

And remember:

Even in the smallest circle—
even with just two or three—
Christ is there.
The Spirit is moving.
And the Church we long for
is already being born among us.

See a Practical Guide to Creating an Inclusive Catholic Community:
https://open.substack.com/pub/bridgetmarymeehan/p/a-practical-guide-to-creating-an?r=2kfqor&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true