Roman Catholic Womenpriests: "Time For The Faithful To Choose Our Own Bishops" article in Irish Times

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2009/1209/1224260356178.html

The Irish Times
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Time for the faithful to choose our own bishops

Roman Catholic Womanpriests: "Dancing with God" by Eileen DiFranco

Sing joyfully, be glad and rejoice. Exult with all your heart. Fear not and do not be discouraged. The Lord God is in your midst. Zep. 3
This was a real dream that I had about ten years ago. I wrote it down immediately because I never wanted to forget how I felt when I woke up. I had this dream.
I was dancing in a country garden with lush green grass. Tulips and daffodils and hyacinths bloomed against a low stone wall. Magnolia, cherry, and dogwood trees draped their branches over the top of the wall. The sun shone in a blue sky with soft edges and the wind was the sweet breeze of late spring. I recall wondering in my dream why I was dancing in the middle of the day when I should be at work, and went right on dancing. There were, I think, three other women with me. Two, I recognized as my friends. Mary danced with her book bag over her shoulder, Monica carried her paint brush. I held my pen. The third one, who stood next to me, had a round, pleasant face and wore her blonde hair in braids coiled around her head. She was dressed in a frilly white dress dotted with small flowers while the three of us wore business clothes. All of us were barefoot. My first thought when I saw the woman in the white dress was that she was grotesquely fat from the waist down. Never in my life had I ever seen a woman with hips that large. I immediately felt guilty for thinking that she was fat. We all did some kind of dance. We kicked out our legs and waved our arms up at the sky. The woman next to me moved agilely in spite of her great girth. And then we all began to sing. The words we sang over and over were snippets of hymns we might sing at church although there was a lot more. I just don't remember it. While we were singing and dancing in that garden I asked myself again with more joy than I could ever remember, I began to wonder. Who is this strange woman with the golden crown of braids want from me, from us?
At the conclusion of our dance, the large woman began hugging all of us, one at a time. When she hugged me, I realized that she was not made of flesh and blood. Her body felt like the aluminum poles we use to give shape to our tent. I looked up at her face in wonderment. She drew me to her in a closer embrace and then I saw that inside Her was the earth, and that She was giving shape to it with her Body. "All of the earth," She told me, "Is my Body and My Blood. Rejoice and be glad.” Her human Face smiled this very loving smile. Her golden braids sparkled in the sunlight. She lifted Her Hands in blessing and the three of us danced out of the garden, waving streamers.Then I then realized that there were hundreds of other people in the garden behind us, lining up. They, too were going to be given the rules of the universe and to get their chance to dance with God.
Eileen DiFranco, RCWP

Roman Catholic Womanpriests: Cardinal Sean Brady criticized the Vatican for not responding to Murphy Commission-Irish Times Article

"INTERVIEW: THE CATHOLIC primate Cardinal Seán Brady has criticised the lack of response by the Vatican and papal nunciature to correspondence from the Murphy commission.
Speaking to The Irish Times in Dundalk yesterday he said “it was unfortunate that requests from the [Murphy] commission didn’t get the courtesy of a reply” from the Vatican. “They should have,” he said."
Irish Times
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1207/1224260241868.html

Roman Catholic Womanpriests: Radio Free Eireann Report on Sexual Abuse of Children by Priests in Ireland

Radio Free Eireann.
Report on the sexual abuse and assault of children by priests in Ireland. Their overseas call/interview is to a Sean Whalen. The links below are for the programs on Saturday 11/28/09 and 12/5/09. The radio station is WBAI, a listener sponsored station, part of the Pacifica network. The interview is a third to a half way into it.

http://archive.wbai.org/files/mp3/091205_130001rfeireann.MP3

http://archive.wbai.org/files/mp3/091128_130001rfeireann.MP3

If you can't get it through the links, go to WBAI.org, on the right side of the page there is a tab call archives. Click on it. Then click on See All Shows and scroll down to 11/28 at 1 PM and to 12/5 at 1 PM, Radio Free Eireann

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Video Clips of Historic Ordinations of Deacons Dena O'Callaghan and Katy Zatsick in Florida on Dec. 5, 2009

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Video Clips of Historic Ordinations of Deacons Dena O'Callaghan and Katy Zatsick in Florida on Dec. 5, 2009

Processional
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hTtQaHuZiM

Presentation of Dena O'Callaghan for ordination

by married priest husband John O'Callaghan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1T6gfPt880

Presentation of Katy Zatsick by Eleonora Marinaro
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLlhfcu6WXc

Prostration/Litany of Saints
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddCJuYghVdA

Laying on of Hands/Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8sRh5K4hH0

Laying on of Hands by married priest John O'Callaghan

at ordination of Dena, his wife.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dV0Kn9Z8Lk

Laying on of Hands/Community

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7ZRgV4mCwY


Prayer of Consecration in Ordination Rite

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTZJKhFDaFE

Investiture with Stoles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY2D6tUuR5s

Presentation of newly ordained Roman Catholic Women Deacons to Assembly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Prn5A1ml5Q8

Dena and Katy prepare the Altar for Liturg y of the Eucharist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NpWkKDC1cg

Liturgy of the Eucharist, Prayer of Consecration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ceyat_Ie_8s

Married Priest, Mike Rigdon, from Mary,

Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community

presents gifts from CORPUS,

a married priests 'national organization,

that supports women priests

and works as partners to renew

the Roman Catholic Church

in grassroots communities in the United States.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te8Ley6Zvog



Hank Tessadori, from Good Shepherd Inclusive

Catholic Community in Ft. Myers

presents a painting of "women at the table" that depicts

Jesus with cotemporary women disciples of Christ.

Judy Lee, pastor of Good Shepherd Community and

administrator of the Southern Region is seated

next to Jesus in this inspirational painting.

Bridget Mary, joyfully accepts painting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UJvfDo9-kQ

Recessional Hymn: Notice RCWP bows before altar

and before the Body of Christ, the people of God
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBBwA2w7FqE

Visit our website:http://www.romancatholicwomenpriests.org/

Information on ordinations in Southern Region and liturgies: http://www.marymotherofjesus.org/

email: Bridget Mary Meehan at sofiabmm@aol.com

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Homily for 2nd Sunday of Advent/Cycle C by Roberta Meehan

Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent – Cycle C – 06 December 2009

(This homily was prepared for presentation at the Ecumenical Worship Service at Banner Estrella Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.)

Readings from the Common Lectionary

Alternate Readings Malachi 3:1-4 ,Baruch* 5:1-9Psalm126 Luke 1:68-79Philippians 1:3-11 Philippians 1:1-11, Luke 3:1-6 ,(Same)

(* Baruch in the Catholic and Episcopal traditions is called a Deuterocanonical text; in many – not all – Protestant traditions it is considered to be an Apocryphal book and is found in the Apocryphal sections of most Protestant Bibles.)

Today’s theme is Prepare and Rejoice! Here we are at the second Sunday of Advent and I must ask you if you are prepared and if you are rejoicing. How easy it is to forget that this is a season of rejoicing! After all, we are re-enacting the time that the chosen people waited for the Messiah. We forget the rejoicing part and we tend to think only of the waiting part. I think we forget we are not really waiting but that we are re-enacting the time of waiting. Jesus is here and we are preparing to celebrate his birthday!

This is a wonderful birthday party that we are getting ready for! And we are all invited! Our theme is Prepare and Rejoice! but if we look at our readings today, the rejoice part comes first! This is amazing! In our common way of thinking, we usually think that we have to prepare before we rejoice. But, that is not what we learn in today’s readings!

For the first reading, I looked at both the selection from Malachi and the section from Baruch. Both say approximately the same thing. You can check that for yourself. Baruch is a bit more dramatic and flamboyant, which is why I chose it for our reading. So, what does Baruch say? Let us look at a few select phrases. “Jerusalem, take off your robes of mourning and misery and put on the splendor of glory from God….for God is leading Israel in joy by the light of his glory, with his mercy and justice for company.” Does this not sound like an exciting reading? Does this not sound like a call for rejoicing? Does this not sound like we should be preparing with a sense of jubilation? After all, we have the glory of God to guide us! Now, let us look at that Psalm. The Antiphon is, “God has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” Now, that sounds pretty exciting! And if we look at Psalm 126 (a Psalm that is almost unique in that it is complete within the liturgy – most Psalms are included only in part), we see several very interesting jubilation points. Here they are: “…our tongue with rejoicing,” “we are glad indeed.” “Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.” “…they shall come back rejoicing.” Those are very happy exclamations! How can we not rejoice?

Let us look at our second reading from Philippians. This too is full of joy and excitement! Just to lift a few phrases, we hear, “I pray always with joy” and “that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge of every kind of perception….” And that you may be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.” These are exciting phrases! These are statements that fill us with hope and joy! How can we think anything else? This is part of our REJOICE statement. We need to rejoice because we know the story, We know what will happen. We know that Jesus has come and that we are awaiting his birthday party! Are you ready for the birthday party???? So far we have talked about the rejoicing part of our theme. But, the theme is Rejoice and Prepare. Now let us look at the Gospel. Keep in mind that so far we have heard nothing except the Rejoice message.

Finally, here in the Gospel, the final reading of the liturgy, we hear something about preparing. Amazing! Look at that message from Luke. We are excited by the rejoice messages but now, suddenly, we have a PREPARE message. Isn’t this interesting? The PREPARE message is amazingly simple. Luke tells us that John went throughout the region proclaiming a baptism of repentance and he then quotes Isaiah’s profound statement of “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths….” The Gospel concludes by saying that “all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” What does all of this mean for us? Well, clearly we have to prepare for God in our lives. But, I think it is important for us to keep this in perspective. The last line of the Gospel tells us that all flesh will see the salvation of God. But, we have already seen it! We know the story.

We know what happened. Jesus came, he was crucified, and he rose from the dead. Jesus is our salvation. So, we know the end of the story. We have seen the salvation of God! In addition to our personal preparations, perhaps we need to concentrate on the other part of the day’s message – REJOICE. Do we spend so much time with pious preparations that we forget to rejoice? These are exciting readings! These readings are full of glorious and rejoicing words. That is where we need to be. After all, Christ is here. It is not that he is coming; he is here. During advent, we are simply re-enacting the time our ancestors waited for the Messiah. But, he is here and we need to rejoice as we prepare for this marvelous birthday party we are all invited to on December 25.

Roberta M. Meehan

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Diverse Congregations Welcome The Historic Ordinations of Roman Catholic Women Deacons in Florida

On Dec. 5, 2009 Dena'O Callaghan and Katy Zatsick were ordained as deacons in the Roman Catholic Women Priests. This historic occasion marks the first ordinations of women priests in Florida and the combining of two congregations served by women priests and representing the inclusive church that is not of the future but is here now.

Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan presided, Judy Lee , the Regional Administrator, was the MC and Eleonora Marinaro, the Regional Coordinator, presented the women to the assembly. Linda Miska was the Music Director and Michael Rigdon, Jack Duffy and Jack Meehan the Music Ministers. The Good Shepherd Inclusive Catholic Community, of Ft. Myers, and the Mary, Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community of Sarasota participated enthusiastically. On this holy day, we were one church, well to do and poor, male and female, black and white, the once homeless and those with homes, born Americans and strangers in the land. We came together to celebrate Dena and Katy, Deacons,called to serve the people of God.

Pastol Phil Garrison, welcomed the assembly, to the United Church of Christ , the first church to ordain a woman Pastor in 1956. At the Table all were welcomed. Co-celebrants were: Michael Rigdon, John O'Callaghan, and David Gabhouri, married priests, Phil Garrison, United Church of Christ Pastor, and Eleonora Marinaro and Judy Lee, women priests with Bridget Mary Meehan, Bishop of the Southern Region presiding.

At the closing of the litrgy Corpus, represented by Michael Rigdon presented Katy and Dena with pyxes. And, Hank Tessndori, an artist from the Good Shepherd Community presented Bridget Mary and the Southern Region with a prophetic and beautiful painting entitled: Women At the Table.

http://picasaweb.google.com/sofiabmm/HistoricOrdinationOfWomenDeacons#

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Article on Blog about women priests and feminism

http://spirituallemons.blogspot.com/2009/12/religious-feminism.html

"However, it seems that the Spirit is calling women anyway. World-wide there are over 100 Roman Catholic (RC) women ordained under the auspices of RCWP (Roman Catholic Women Priests) and more in the process.They are forming communities; they are ordained from both canonical and non-canonical communities; their bishops are pastoral not administrative; they utilize a consensus model of decision-making and democratic processes. "Our goal is a new model of ordained ministry in a renewing Roman Catholic Church," according to Bridget Mary Meehan, Bishop of Southern Region, RCWP, former Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister. "

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Article by Author James Carroll on Church's rightward turn

Does God Hate the Kennedys
by James Carroll
November 28, 2009

"How reactionary has the Catholic hierarchy become? Let me count the ways:
• Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence “respectfully” tells Congressman Patrick Kennedy to refrain from receiving communion, a harbinger of what every pro-choice or pro-gay-marriage Catholic politician faces.
• Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington threatens to cancel Catholic provision of services to the homeless and poor if the D.C. City Council passes a law giving equal rights to gays. .."

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-11-28/the-vatican-goes-rogue/

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Homily for the First Sunday of Advent-Cycle C by Roberta M. Meehan, rcwp

Homily for the First Sunday of Advent
– Cycle C –
29 November 2009
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
1 Thessalonians 3:12 – 4:2
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

It is often said that the key to the central theme of the readings can be found in the Psalm. This is usually true. Sometimes, however, this key is a bit hidden. That is what we are faced with today – an almost hidden theme, hidden right in plain sight! Let us start by looking at the first line of the Psalm. “Your ways, O God, make known to me….” Now, that seems like a rather straight-forward verse. And, on the surface it is. We need to keep it in mind, however, as we go through the readings and try to discern what our theme is for this First Sunday of Advent. Advent should be a happy time because we already know the story. We may be waiting for Jesus – but he is already here! We have cause to rejoice. Advent is for rejoicing! Indeed, this upbeat idea fits right into today’s readings! And, this idea is in that first line of the Psalm too. “Your ways, O God, make known to me.” What are these ways and are they really joyful? Let us examine each of the readings and see. The readings are all about our learning and knowing the ways of the Lord, which is the plea of the Psalm. And each reading is up lifting and happy. In the reading from Jeremiah, God says, “The days are coming when I will fulfill the promise I made to the House of Israel and Judah….In those days Judah shall be safe and Jerusalem shall dwell secure.” God also promises a leader who will do all that is right and just. Those sound like rather exciting promises! Imagine the land safe and secure. Imagine not having to worry about anything that is not right or just and leaders who practice these virtues in all things. This definitely fits the plea of the Psalm. This is certainly very positive. The second reading, from the First Letter to the Thessalonians, is a direct answer to the cry of the Psalm. “May God make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all…to be blameless in holiness before our God….(We) ask and exhort you…(that)…you should conduct yourselves to please God….” These are the same directives – the same ways o fGod – that are found throughout Scripture, particularly the New Testament. Definitely positive. The Gospel from Luke also answers the query about the ways of God and specifically mentions right behavior so that we are not caught by surprise. In this reading, however, the emphasis is on end times and the writing itself is almost apocalyptic in nature as it talks about signs in the skies and disruptions among nations and roaring waves and the coming of the Son of Man. Even so, we are prepared so again we have a positive and exciting message. So, if we look at a succinct overview of what we have here, we see that we are looking for the way of God. We see the promise and what will happen when God reigns in Jeremiah; we see the directives of Jesus (albeit through Paul) in Thessalonians; and we see the warnings of the end times and the coming of the Chosen One in Luke. This seems to be very much of an answer to the plea to be shown the way – right through history, from the prophets, through Jesus, to the end. And it is all there for our happiness, for our benefit. What about this first Sunday of Advent though? How does this fit – both with the theme and with the statement earlier that Advent is a time of rejoicing? Advent should be a time of excitement, of exhilaration! We know the end of the story! We know Jesus has already come! This is not a time for being morose. We are getting ready for a birthday party! Everyone know how exciting it is to prepare for a birthday party! People are happy. They are singing. They are wrapping gifts. They are decorating. Why does the church think advent must be so somber? What is wrong with Christmas Carols during Advent? Nothing, I say! We’re getting ready for a wonderful birthday party. We know the story of Advent. We know about waiting for the Messiah. Well, here in our readings today we have the whole story! We have the initial promise, the basic rules for doing what pleases God, and the final coming. What more could we ask for? Why are we glum during Advent? I have never understood that. And I am excited that this year I have heard a number of people wishing each other a “Happy Advent!” Indeed, it should be a Happy Advent!! We know the whole story! We know how the story will end for each of us individually and we know how it will end for the world. Our individual ends are in sight; the end of the world is probably several million years in the future. Regardless, we must still be prepared. And, we do have those directions. So we should rejoice. At least that old stand by “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” has the word “rejoice” in it – even if too many people do sing it like a funeral dirge! So, what is Advent really about? Advent is a reenactment of the wait for the Messiah. The Messiah is already here; Advent is a reminder, a reenactment. It is also a time for planning a birthday party. Let us rejoice that Jesus has come as promised. Let us rejoice that we know the story. Let us rejoice that we are each invited to take part in his birthday celebration. The actual wait was over 2000 years ago. Let us reenact the wait but let us do so with a sense of jubilation because he did come and he is still here among us. Oh, and have a very Happy Advent!!
Roberta M. Meehan, rcwp

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Mary, Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community worships at St. Andrew UCC in Sarasota, Dec.-April

http://www.marymotherofjesus.org/

Mary, Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community You are invited to celebrate inclusive Catholic Liturgy with us on Sat. evenings at 6:00pm from Dec.- April at St. Andrew UCC 6908 Beneva Rd. Sarasota, Florida 34238 We are a community of equals where all are welcome to come and celebrate God's extravagant love in our midst We are passionate about loving God living Jesus' call to Gospel equality and justice.
For more information,
email Bridget Mary at sofiabmm@aol.com
email Mike Ridgon at mikerigdon.verizon.net

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Ireland /Dublin Archdiocese Covered up child sexual abuse/Catholic Church laws facilitated cover-up by hierarchy

Dublin Archdiocese Commission Report- Links and Conclusion

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1126/Partone.pdf

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1126/Parttwo.pdf

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1126/appendices.pdf

Conclusion

"1.113 The Commission has no doubt that clerical child sexual abuse was covered up by the Archdiocese of Dublin and other Church authorities over much of the period covered by the Commission‟s remit. The structures and rules of the Catholic Church facilitated that cover-up. The State authorities facilitated the cover up by not fulfilling their responsibilities to ensure that the law was applied equally to all and allowing the Church institutions to be beyond the reach of the normal law enforcement processes. The welfare of children, which should have been the first priority, was not even a factor to be considered in the early stages. Instead the focus was on the avoidance of scandal and the preservation of the good name, status and assets of the institution and of what the institution regarded as its most important members – the priests. In the mid 1990s, a light began to be shone on the scandal and the cover up. Gradually, the story has unfolded. It is the responsibility of the State to ensure that no similar institutional immunity is ever allowed to occur again. This can be ensured only if all institutions are open to scrutiny and not accorded an exempted status by any organs of the State."

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: "Continous Communion" Reflection by Ed Hays in NCR

Continuous Communion

by Ed Hays on Nov. 25, 2009
"Life is perpetual communion. First, you are constantly in communion with your feelings, thoughts, and yourself. Further, you are endlessly in communion with others in conscious and unconscious ways...Holy Communion is more than simply another religious ritual; it is the model for and the definition of all life. So ask yourself, “Am I self-excommunicated?”"

http://ncronline.org/blogs/spiritual-reflections/continuous-communion

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Roman Catholic Canon Law Favors Abusive Priests/Vatican Stonewalls / Irish Times Editorial and Other links/Murphy Report

"Canon law, which favors abusers over abused, has contributed in a malign way. In future, there can be no ambiguity concerning criminal acts and church cover-ups that pervert the course of justice. These offences are equally unacceptable.Archbishop Diarmuid Martin is to be commended for making diocesan files available to the commission against the wishes of his predecessor. But a studied silence by Vatican authorities and by the Apostolic Nuncio to recent requests from the Murphy commission for any additional information they might hold concerning child sexual abuse in Dublin will feed suspicion that the church remains fixated on protecting its tattered image."

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2009/1127/1224259545409.html

Read the complete Editorial in today's Irish Times regarding the latest report
on abuse by priests in Ireland. The Murphy report itself contains grim evidence of
an appalling legacy of abuse. If you want to read the Murphy Report, you'll find the
link on the RHS of the home page http://www.justice.ie/

Bishops covered up priests child abuse
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_IRELAND_CATHOLIC_ABUSE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2009-11-26-18-12-53

November 26, 2009

Experts: Bishops covered up priests' child abuse

By SHAWN POGATCHNIK
Associated Press Writer

EXCERPT:

"Roman Catholic Church leaders in Dublin spent decades sheltering child-abusing priests from the law and most fellow clerics turned a blind eye, an investigation ordered by Ireland's government concluded Thursday. ... investigators found, successive archbishops and their senior deputies - among them qualified lawyers - already had compiled confidential files on more than 100 parish priests who had sexually abused children since 1940. Those files had remained locked in the Dublin archbishop's private vault."

My Comment:
When will the Catholic family, the people of God, say "enough is enough"? This is our church! When will the people refuse to allow church leaders to cover up criminal activity of their clergy? When will the Irish state stop treating the Catholic church with deference?
We, the people of God, are the church. All of us are equals by our baptism.
It is our beloved family that has been torn apart by these clergy crimes and by the bishops' cover-ups.I hope the anger generated by this appalling cover-up by the Dublin hierarchy, will lead people of Ireland to a tipping point- a call to action.

What can be done?

We must change the clerical culture and empower the people of God in local communities with oversight review and decision-making power in the Roman Catholic Church. Christ calls all of us to be disciples to live the Gospel. Therefore, we are all co-responsible for the welfare of the Catholic family. In my view, it is also time to reclaim our ancient Celtic tradition of women priests and married priests in a more open, transparent, inclusive Catholic church, where all are welcome and all are accountable. Let us look to the partnership model set by St. Brigit and Bishop Conleth who co-administered the large Kildare monastic community.
Bridget Mary Meehan, rcwp
sofiabmm@aol.com
www.romancatholicwomenpriests.org

Roman Catholic Womenpriests Support Patrick Kennedy and all Legislators Who Are Being Banned from Communion

For Immediate Release
Roman Catholic WomenPriests Support Patrick Kennedy and all Legislators Who Are Being Banned from Communion

Contact: Eileen DiFranco, East Region Administrator
267-258-6966
emdifranco@aol.com

Roman Catholic Women Priests stand on the side of all of their Roman Catholic sisters and brothers who are being denied the Eucharist by their local bishops. The Eucharist is not a weapon that should be used by anyone to punish our sisters and brothers in Christ. To deny people the Eucharist is to deny them spiritual sustenance and food for their journey. It also denigrates the Body and Blood of Christ.

Jesus directed those who would follow him to forgive seventy times seven. As he wrote the sins of the righteous in the sand, Jesus stated unequivocally, “Let the person who is without sin cast the first sin.” Jesus, the One who lived among us as our Emmanuel, does not require protection from frail human beings, all of whom have fallen short of the glory of God. It is the Word of God and not the words of the bishops that we acknowledge at Mass.

RWCP requests that the American bishops cease and desist from fatally wounding the Body of Christ. We ask all people of good will to understand that best Christian practices do not include exclusion but rather love and forgiveness.

RCWP welcomes all people to the altar of God in their respective communities. You will be welcomed with hospitality and good will. Please check our website www.romancatholicwomenpriests.org for a community near you.

Roman Catholic Womenpriest s: "Women Religious NOT complying with Vatican Study" National Catholic Reporter News

Women religious not complying with Vatican study
"There's been almost universal resistance. We are saying 'enough!' "
http://ncronline.org/news/women/women-religious-not-complying-vatican-study

Article by Tom Fox, Nov. 24, 2009
"There's been almost universal resistance," said one women religious familiar with the responses compiled by the congregation leaders. "We are saying 'enough!' In my 40 years in religious life I have never seen such unanimity."
"Some of the women interviewed by NCR cite an irony involved in the investigation. One said that it is "unlikely the Vatican wanted us to come out of this being more confident of our identity as self-defining religious agents, but that is exactly what has happened."


Bridget Mary's Comment:
The women religious stand on the prophetic edge as gutsy women, unafraid of speaking truth to power- this time to the oppressive power of the Vatican. Women religious are using their gifts to build a more just, peaceful world rooted in Gospel values-- whether or not the Vatican likes it. The people in the pews are with you! Thank you.
Bridget Mary Meehan, rcwp

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Ordination of Deacon Theresa Novak Chabot from New Hampshire on Nov. 21, 2009

In this photo, newly ordained deacon, Theresa Novak Chabot sets the table for the Eucharistic banquet.

Bishop Andrea Johnson presents new Deacon Theresa Novak Chabot to Assembly






In her homily, Bishop Andrea Johnson reflected on this historical ordination:
"This is a pivotal crossroads in Theresa’s life, and in the life of the Roman Catholic Church in New Hampshire. Theresa has come here to state publicly her submission to God’s call to ordination, and to offer her life in service to God’s people as an ordained minister, called forth from the community."

Roman Catholic Womenpriests :Homily by Bishop Andrea Johnson at Ordination of Theresa Novak Chabot as Deacon

Homily For Diaconal Ordination of Theresa Novak Chabot
Saturday, November 21, 2009

Andrea M. Johnson

Today is a day of great joy for all of us as we gather to witness the ordination to the order of deacon of Theresa Novak Chabot. For Theresa, it is a day of fulfillment and of affirmation of a call she has been discerning over many years of listening to the voice of God in the many experiences and people she has encountered on her journey. It is equally a day of great promise for her ministry yet to come!

This is a pivotal crossroads in Theresa’s life, and in the life of the Roman Catholic Church in New Hampshire. Theresa has come here to state publicly her submission to God’s call to ordination, and to offer her life in service to God’s people as an ordained minister, called forth from the community.

Theresa has carefully chosen readings from the scriptures for today’s celebration of her yes to God. Her choice of Isaiah 61 confirms for us her clear understanding of her call to serve all God’s people, especially those who are marginalized or suffering. Theresa is clear about God’s abiding presence in all of the circumstances in her own life, and she is mindful that everything that has gone before has been for a purpose – preparing her for this day – and for moving forward in service. She is grateful that she has been blessed with many gifts to share. She feels particularly blessed to be called to serve the people of New Hampshire who, as God’s people everywhere, need to be welcomed into an inclusive and nurturing Catholic community. The meaning of anointing as described in Isaiah 61 is not lost on Theresa. She affirms it as nothing less than being chosen to effect the lifting up and empowerment of people. What a blessing her ordination offers to the Catholic community in New Hampshire!

I must tell you that we in Roman Catholic Womenpriests rejoice in Theresa’s ordination as much as you do. The empowerment of God’s people, particularly the most marginalized, is what our work within the Roman Catholic Church is all about. It is our heartsong! Roman Catholic Womenpriests is about singing a new song to our God – about singing a new church into being. For many years now, many in the Roman Catholic Church have recognized that the ordained ministry in our church has lacked integrity. Many wonderful women and men have prepared themselves, and have offered their gifts of pastoral ministry. But, they have had to “color within the lines” (i.e., accept the roles pre-determined for them by a patriarchal structure that, quite frankly, has been willing to use the gifts of women without offering them a share in the full sacramental and decision-making roles that rightly belong to pastoring). Pastoral ministers in the Roman Catholic Church – women and men – have been required to fulfill their calls within the structures mandated by decision-makers who represent only the viewpoint of ordained men. The initiative called Roman Catholic Womenpriests has intervened to challenge that process! In that light, I take particular delight in Theresa’s choice of gospel reading for today’s liturgy. This stunning passage about the woman with the flow of blood is all about challenging the ground rules! Throughout the gospels, typically a story of healing by Jesus involves Jesus laying hands on people who need healing. This alone was shocking to many, especially when women were involved. But this (quote/unquote unclean) woman took the initiative. She had the audacity to touch Jesus! Note that she also took responsibility for her action! Theresa chose this gospel reading because she clearly understands that she is taking the initiative in the face of stone-walling by the Roman Catholic authorities. She is taking the initiative to say yes to God’s call. Theresa clearly understands what she is undertaking by being ordained into Roman Catholic Womenpriests. She knows that in joining RCWP, she is moving from strategy into prophetic action – from waiting for God to make her path smooth and comfortable to accepting the pilgrim’s walk on the bumpy road, with all its attendant consequences.

Like Isaiah, Theresa understands her prophetic role as empowerer of God’s people. She leads by example! Like the hemorrhaging woman, Theresa is a bold and prophetic and faith-filled initiator of God’s reign of justice and peace. As Roman Catholic Womenpriests-USA, it is our joy to welcome her as a sister pilgrim on the way.

Let me close with Theresa’s own words in praise of our faithful and loving God, who never asks more of us than we can give:

Let me take the chance to climb the mountain,
beginning at the base.
I look up and cannot see the summit,
but know it is there,
For I have been called by God.

*********************

For the Spirit of God is upon me,
and I state boldly, “Here I am.”
Whatever else could I say?
I have been called by God.

Amen.

Roman Catholic Womenpriests :Fr. Roy Bourgeois, supporter of women priests, nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

(Left to Right, Fr. Roy Bourgeois, Bishop Dana Reynolds, Janice Sevre-Duszynska
on Aug. 9, 2008 at Janice's priestly ordination)
Father Roy Bourgeois and SOA Watch Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize
Father Roy Bourgeois, MM, and School of the Americas Watch (SOA Watch) have been nominated for one of the most prestigious awards in the world - the Nobel Peace Prize - for their sustained faithful nonviolent witness against the disappearances, torture, and murder of hundreds of thousands of civilians (peasants, community and union organizers, clerics, missionaries, educators, and health workers) by foreign military personnel trained by the U.S. military at U.S. taxpayer expense at the School of the Americas at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The candidacy of Father Roy and SOA Watch for the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize has been officially submitted to the Nobel Committee in Oslo, Norway by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. The official announcement was made by AFSC representative John Meyer on Sunday, November 22 at 9am at the gates of Fort Benning (home of the School of the Americas) during the annual November vigil to close the SOA.

"We are deeply honored, and deeply humbled, to be nominated for this prize for peace," commented Bourgeois, a Vietnam veteran, Purple Heart recipient and a Catholic priest, who helped found SOA Watch. "This nomination is a recognition of the work of the thousands struggling against militarism across the Americas."

SOA Watch is a nonviolent grassroots movement that works through creative protest and resistance, legislative and grassroots media work to stand in solidarity with the people of Latin America, to close the School of the Americas (renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation) and to change oppressive U.S. foreign policy that institutions like the SOA/ WHINSEC represent.

This weekend, SOA Watch is gathering by the thousands at the gates of Ft. Benning to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the killings of 14-year-old Celia Ramos, her mother Elba Ramos, and the six Jesuit priests she worked with at the Central American University in San Salvador in November 1989. Human rights defenders from Colombia and Bertha Oliva, founder of human rights organization COFADEH, Committee of Family Members of the Detained and Disappeared in Honduras, which has been actively resisting the SOA graduate-led coup as part of the resistance front.

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams Confronts Pope Benedict-Would Jesus Confront Pope Benedict on women priests?

"The Vatican says its invitation came in response to pleas from Anglicans unhappy about the imminent consecration of women bishops.

Speaking after meeting the Pope, Dr Williams told Vatican Radio: 'I wanted to express some of my concerns about the way in which the announcement of the Constitution had been handled and received because clearly many Anglicans, myself included, felt thatit put us in an awkward position."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1229923/Rowan-Williams-confronts-Pope-poaching-clergy.html#ixzz0XYr7WTV8

Bridget Mary's Comment:
Pope Benedict should have apologized to Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams for the Vatican's lack of openness, dialogue and consultation. How would Pope Benedict feel if the Anglican Archbishop had swooped in and announced the conversion of Roman Catholics to the Anglican Church?
Pope Benedict should also apologize to the world's women for the Roman Catholic Church's ongoing discrimination against women priests and women bishops. I do not understand how a church, rooted in the Gospel, can act in a manner so out of sync with Jesus' example. The Risen Christ appeared first to Mary of Magdala and called her to proclaim the Good News to the male apostles. Therefore, Mary of Magdala was chosen by Christ to be the apostle to the apostles. Why doesn' the Vatican get it?
If Jesus treated women and men as equals, how can Pope Benedict justify the Roman Catholic Church's discrimination against women priest and bishops?
He can't. The good news is that mainstream Catholics are embracing Roman Catholic Womenpriests as their pastors. Why? They want a church that follows Jesus' example.
Ask yourself, would Jesus confront Pope Benedict for discriminating against women priests and bishops? It's a no-brainer! Read the Gospels. Study the tradition. For twelve hundred years, women were ordained deacons, priests and bishops. The real question is why is it taking the Roman Catholic Church so long to catch up with Jesus and its own tradition?
Bridget Mary Meehan, rcwp
sofiabmm@aol.com

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Anglican Archbishop tells Pope: there will be no turning back on women priests"

Archbishop tells Pope: there will be no turning back on women priests
Ruth Gledhill and Richard Owen in Rome

"The Archbishop of Canterbury yesterday made his most outspoken challenge to the Roman Catholic Church since the Pope invited disaffected Anglicans to switch to Rome.
Speaking before he meets Benedict XVI tomorrow, Dr Rowan Williams told a conference in Rome that the Catholic Church’s refusal to ordain women was a bar to Christian unity."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article6923807.ece

Bridget Mary Meehan's comment:
Three cheers for Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams' challenge to Pope Benedict: -women priests are here to stay! So are Roman Catholic Womenpriests here to stay! Roman Catholic Womenpriests are growing in numbers and on the move in the Roman Catholic Church. See map below indicating growth in the United States. We love our church and are working to renew it in grassroots inclusive communities where all are welcome at the table. Now wouldn't it be wonderful if more of our bishops, like Bishop Tom Gumbleton of the United States and Bishop Willie Walsh of Ireland, would advocate for women's ordination in the Roman Catholic Church. Let's pray that many bishops worldwide will take a page out of their books, and speak up as prophets for justice and equality for women in the Roman Catholic Church. After all, women are half of the population!

Article on Roman Catholic Bishops:
Bishops Try to Reassert Control of a Restive Flock
by DAVID GIBSON
BALTIMORE -- The leader of the Catholic hierarchy in the United States on Monday launched a new effort to rein in Catholic debates and dissidents and to remind the flock that the bishops will be the arbiters of what it means to be a Catholic.
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/11/17/bishops-try-to-reassert-control-of-a-restive-flock/

Bridget Mary Meehan's Comment:
No amount of power and control tactics will stop the Holy Spirit, Bishops! Let go and let God move among the Catholic family. Ask yourselves, what would Jesus do? His harshest criticism was against the religious leaders of the time who tried to control the people of God! Our Roman Catholic Womenpriests were in Baltimore where the USCCB met this week. Some of you were fortunate enough to receive prayer cards for vocations to a renewed priestly ministry. (See story below about Suzanne Thiel, rcwp sharing Prayer for Vocations with U.S. Bishops)
All Roman Catholics are equal members of the church by their baptism. The hierarchy does not own the "franchise" or the name, "Roman Catholic". Let us pray for a deeper awareness of teachings of Vatican 11 --that the people of God are the church. The hierarchy's role is not to dominate or control the movement of the Holy Spirit within the community, but to serve as Jesus did.
We are beloved sisters and brothers. It is time for the whole Catholic family to own our identity and live our tradition. Let us be open and work together to heal the wounds of divisiveness. May we be united in prayer and loving service to God's people and follow the example of Jesus in our work for justice and equality in our world.

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Map - Red dots represent locations of womenpriests in the U. S.

Left to right: Andrea Johnson, rcwp (bishop of Eastern region), Zemaya Jones, (representative of Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community , Catonsville, MD. woman on right, name unknown)
Roman Catholic Womenpriests and CORPUS (association of married priests) witnessed on our behalf at the recent USCCB meeting on Wednesday of this week. The red dots on the map represent all of our ordained women.
Click on photo to enlarge.

Roman Catholic Womenpriests Share Our Prayer for Vocations and Map where RCWP Serve With U.S. Catholic Bishops at Meeting in Baltimore

Suzanne Thiel, rcwp, with new banner showcasing
our loving service to God's people. Click on picture to enlarge.

Left to right:Fred Ruof, a married priest, Andrea Johnson, rcwp, bishop of eastern region,
and Zemaya Jones, representing Living Waters Inclusive Catholic Community
in Catonsville, near Baltimore, MD. (co-pastors Gloria Carpeneto, rcwp and
Andrea Johnson, rcwp)
If you click on the map above, you will see red dots that indicate where there are womenpriests-led communities in the United States.


Left to right; Bill Manseau, married priest and president of
The Federation of Christian Ministries and prominent
leader in CORPUS, a married priest advocacy community,
Suzanne Thiel, rcwp, Andrea Johnson rcwp, and Zemaya Jones, ( Living Waters Inclusive Catholic Community)
Unidentified man

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 Suzanne Thiel,a Roman Catholic Womanpriest from our Western Region, distributed our Year of the Priest- Prayer for Vocations to some of the bishops who were attending the United States Catholic Bishops' meeting in Baltimore.

Suzanne was able to share the prayer cards with the bishops during their lunch break.Only one bishop responded negatively. He yelled, " wait a minute!" This did not slow down Suzanne. She continued to move from table to table, smiling graciously at each bishop as she placed the vocation prayer in his hands.

Then, on Wednesday, Nov. 18th, several representatives of Catholic renewal organizations gathered together outside the hotel including Bill Manseau, a married priest who is president of the Federation of Christian Ministries, Fred Ruof, a prominent elder and leader of justice and peace causes in the Baltimore area, Zemaya Jones, a representative from Living Waters Inclusive Catholic Community in Catonsville, Andrea Johnson, Roman Catholic Womanbishop of the Eastern region and (co-pastor with Gloria Carpeneto, rcwp of Living Waters Inclusive Catholic Comunity) and Suzanne Thiel, rcwp. They held up banners including a map with red dots indicating the states where Roman Catholic Womenpriests serve the Catholic family in the United States.
(Click on the map with red dots, to enlarge the photo and see the places in the United States where Roman Catholic Womenpriests serve)
Then at lunch time, our womenpriests, accompanied by their companions, came into the hotel, took off their coats and sat at a table near the bishops. According to one report, the male bishops practiced custody of the eyes when the women took off their coats and their clerical collars became visible!
Just in case, any bishop missed out on receiving a copy of our rcwp prayer the day before, Suzanne took one final stroll through the dining area where the bishops were seated. She was even able to catch the bishops as they left the hotel on their way to the airport! Unforgettable encounters!

I hope our bishops will join us in the prayer for vocations and "practice the equality that Jesus modeled to embrace all women and men whom you have gifted for sacramental ministry."
On one side of our vocation prayer is the text below. On the other side of our vocation prayer is a colorful collage of pictures depicting Roman Catholic Womenpriests serving the people of God (similar to banner above) that is entitled:

Ordained Women are serving the People of God.

If you want this prayer for your local parish, diocese, or community, contact Suzanne Thiel at suzthiel@yahoo.com,

Year of the Priest
Roman Catholic Womenpriests' Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood

Ever present God; open the hearts and minds of all people,
and inspire us to use the unique gifts you have given us for loving service to each other.
We pray especially now, for those women whose gifts are best suited to serve your Church as ordained priests.
Empower them with the courage as they answer your call and strengthen them for humble service, great compassion, and insightful wisdom.
Support them through their ministries and enlighten the leadership of your Church to practice the equality that Jesus modeled to embrace all women and men whom you have gifted for sacramental service.
Strengthen your Holy Spirit within those you have chosen for priestly ministry.
May they answer your call and follow with generous hearts.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, who called Mary Magdalene and Phoebe- as well as Peter and Paul- to be ministers in the early Christian communities. Amen.

www.romancatholicwomenpriests.org

Bridget Mary Meehan, rcwp

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : "RCWP: A Renewed Model of Ordained Ministry in a Renewed Church" by Dr. Patricia Fresen

Bishop Patricia Fresen was one of the women bishops ordained by
a male Roman Catholic bishop with apostolic succession. He told Patricia
that he ordained her to promote justice for women in the church.

RCWP: A RENEWED MODEL OF ORDAINED MINISTRY

IN A RENEWED CHURCH

(Patricia Fresen)

This renewed model of ordained ministry is part of the great post-modern paradigm-shift in which the earth, the world and the church are involved.

As the church changes, we need a model of ministry that fits into the model towards which the church is being led. The people of God are moving ahead of the official church in this regard, towards a church of the people rather than a clerical church. Therefore we in RCWP try to avoid clericalism. We do not want to join the “clerical caste” with the negative implications of this. So we cherish a community-based, inclusive model of servant-leadership. This implies simplicity in vestments and liturgical vessels, and also in our attitudes and behaviour. We are called to be women and men of prayer, building into our lives regular times of prayer, reflection and contemplation as well as times of retreat, individual and communal.

Principles:

1. A reflective, contemplative lifestyle which seeks to follow, in prophetic

obedience, where the Spirit leads. We do this individually and together.

2. Servant leadership: empowerment, rather than domination & control

(both within RCWP and in pastoral ministry and relationships).

3. Communitarian rather than hierarchical structures. Leadership elected

by community and constitution written by community.

4. No mandatory celibacy.

5. Inclusiveness: re gender, sexual orientation, other church traditions.

(We try to be consciously ecumenically inclusive at ordinations and

whenever possible. We also include within our RCWP regions, people who are supportive even if they have no intention of ever being ordained, or are already priests.)

6. Separation of administrative and sacramental leadership. Both elected

by community. (Regions are administered by administrator, not bishop.)

7. Accountability of all elected leaders to community (according to agreed

mandate). Financial accountability and transparency.

8. Unity in diversity, rather than uniformity. 

(This applies to our RCWP Regions, which differ from one another, but also to different countries in

 their RCWP “styles” and liturgical expression, e.g. Germany is very different from the

Netherlands and these are both different from Canada,

in the way the Regions function and in the liturgy.) 

9. Justice and human dignity.

10.We are worker-priests, in the sense of being self-supporting & financially independent of hierarchy. (Hopefully, once we are ordained and serving a community, the community will contribute something towards the priest’s income. This is arranged locally.)

11. Understanding chaos as having creative potential: interplay between

chaos and self- organization is part of organic growth.

12. Non-violence & interdependence: earth, human community, churches.