Roman Catholic Women Priests Association Ordains 4 More Deacons: Photos of History-Making Event

On April 2nd, 2011, Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan ordained Diane Doughterty of Georgia, Adele Jones of Texas, Miriam Picconi, and Wanda Russell, both from Florida deacons in the Roman Catholic Women Priests Association. The communities of Mary Mother of Jesus in Sarasota and Good Shepherd in Ft. Myers filled the church with enthusiastic responses to the ordination ritual. The entire community came up to lay hands on the four women as a sign of their blessing and solidarity. ABC News from Atlanta and Associated Press filmed the ordination and interviewed some of the ordinands and members of the community. Here is a link to the story about Adele Jones, the first woman ordained a Roman Catholic deacon from Texas:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/S-A-woman-83-to-be-ordained-as-Catholic-1319387.php

http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

"Palm Coast Women To be Ordained Deacons" by Shanna Fortier in Palm Coast Observer/ Florida News

http://www.palmcoastobserver.com/news/palm-coast/News/03312011745/Palm-Coast-women-to-be-ordained-deacons By Shanna Fortier "Wanda Russell and Miriam Picconi. Wanda Russell and Miriam Picconi, of Palm Coast, will travel Saturday, April 2, to Sarasota, to become ordained as Roman Catholic women deacons as part of the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests movement, which began with the ordination of seven women, in 2002, and has grown to more than 124 worldwide...We love the church, but there has become so many injustices for women in general,” Russell said.Picconi added: “I’m not trying to be rebellious; I’m just trying to respond to God’s invitation. I want to stand with other women who say this is wrong and to stand for equality in a community and discipleship of equals.” “I’m looking forward to see what God has in store for us,” Russell said. “I’m taking the step on faith that God is not finished with us yet.” www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

Maryknoll Should Follow Example of Benedictines Who Stood Up to Vatican

Maryknoll should follow example of Benedictines Who Stood Up to Vatican In 2001. The Vatican put pressure on the Benedictines to block Sr. Joan Chittister from speaking at a Women's Ordination Conference in Dublin, Ireland. The Benedictine Superior Sr. Christine Vladimiroff stated that obedience encompassed listening to the Spirit and consensus. Now is the time for Fr. Dougherty to resist the Vatican 's oppressive tactics that would result in the dismissal of a prophetic Maryknoll priest, Fr. Roy Bourgeois from the Order, and deal a major blow to Maryknoll's credibility as a order that promotes justice. Let Maryknoll know that their actions contradict their mission of promoting liberation and justice for all especially the poor and the marginalized. Women are marginalized in the Catholic Church. Fr. Roy is a prophet who has called the church to major reform on gender equality and specifically for women's ordination. The good news is that women priests are now a reality and we are living Gospel equality in grassroots communities in the U.S. , Canada, Europe and now Latin America. The worldwide movement for justice and equality is the voice of God in our time. If you wish to stand up for justice for women in the church and express your support for Fr. Roy, call Maryknoll at 914-941-7590 to voice your concerns. Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

Roy Bourgeois' Priesthood Can Never Truly End: by Jamie L. Manson/ NCR

http://ncronline.org/blogs/grace-margins/roy-bourgeois-priesthood-can-never-truly-end "He won a purple heart for his service in Vietnam. He lived and worked among the poor in Bolivia for five years... ..."Bourgeois was first called to speak prophetically about the ordination of women when his long time friend and fellow activist, Janice Sevre-Duszynska, decided to pursue her life-long call to ordination through the Roman Catholic Womenpriests. Bourgeois not only attended the 2008 ordination ceremony in Lexington, KY, he also offered the homily. From that moment, Bourgeois began asking publicly the questions that dwell in the minds of the majority of Catholics in this country. "We state that the call to be a priest is a gift and comes from God. How can we as men say our call from God is authentic, but your call as women is not? Who are we to reject God’s call of women to the priesthood?" he asked in an interview with NCR yesterday "The Vatican sent him a letter that following November, giving him 30 days to recant his position on women’s ordination or face automatic excommunication..." "The hierarchy acts as though it has the power to reject and invalidate the vocations of Bourgeois and all of the women denied the opportunity to function as priests. They forget, however, that the calling, and the holiness that flows from it, comes from God alone. Those who are truly called by God can never be prevented from touching the lives and transforming the hearts of God’s people. Regardless of the actions of the Vatican and the decision of the Maryknoll community, Roy Bourgeois’s courage, his integrity, his humility, and his many sacrifices will continue to be a sacramental sign for us all." [Jamie L. Manson received her Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School where she studied Catholic theology and sexual ethics. Her columns for NCR earned her a first prize Catholic Press Association award for Best Column/Regular Commentary in 2010.]

Fr. Roy Offers to Dialogue With Vatican on Support of Roman Catholic Women Priests

Fr. Roy Bourgeois at Ordination of Janice Sevre-Duszynska http://www.uscatholic.org/news/2011/03/priest-faces-removal-maryknoll-supporting-ordination-women

"He said he planned to seek a canon lawyer for assistance in preparing his response. He also said he hoped to meet with Cardinal Levada in Rome. "I would love nothing more and see it as important to sit down with Cardinal William Levada, the prefect, even if it's for 15 minutes, to look him in the eye and have a discussion on this," he said. "I think it's reasonable. As a priest for 38 years, I feel 15 minutes with someone who has the power to kick you out of Maryknoll, to laicize you, is important. I will ask that of the superior general to help that happen."

"An Imaginary Conversation between Maryknoll Priest Fr. Roy and Cardinal Willian Levada "

( At Roy's insistence, this conversation takes place in public at a fountain in Rome, rather than behind closed doors. This way it can be transparent. Imagine you are there too. What you like to say? Imagine that women priests are there too...)

Cardinal Levada: Now, Roy, you know that our church does not allow women priests, in fact, we thought we made that clear with the delecto graviora last summer, when we put these women in the most grievous crime category along with the pedophiles!

Fr. Roy: But Bill, we men have been ruling the church for over 2000 years and look at the mess we are in now. When I was last here, I was on Vatican radio, and after a conversation about SOA Watch, I began to express my thoughts about the need for women priests. Suddenly, there was static and the Vatican radio went silent for 15 minutes!

So now I am here, ten years later with the same message. Our church needs women priests and now by the grace of the Holy Spirit we have them!

Cardinal Levada: Do you know what we did to heretics like you in the Middle Ages who refused to recant their errors?

Fr. Roy; Yes, of course, you burned Joan of Arc at the stake for following her conscience and today, your condemn, and punish the prophets of our age who follow their consciences. Today, millions of Catholics are dissenting from the false teachings of the church that contradict Jesus' example. Have you forgotten that he liberated and empowered the people and chose women as disciples including Mary of the Magdala, the apostle to the apostles? During the early church, scholars remind us that women served as deacons, priests and bishops. So the women priests are doing nothing new. They are reclaiming our ancient tradition of women in ordained ministry. The full equality of women in church and society is the voice of God in our times. No punishment will stop this movement of the Spirit who blows where She will! Some of the women priests have accompanied me, there are right here in the circle. (Women priests extend arms in blessing)

Cardinal Levada: Today must be my lucky day! (as he throws a coin in the fountain!)

"The Sins of the Church" by Katie Meehan- A Young Catholic Speaks Out

According to a recent study conducted by The Pew Forum on Religion in Public Life, almost one in four Americans (nearly 30%) belong to the Catholic faith. But Catholics are leaving the Church at an alarming rate. Nearly 10% of Americans are ex-Catholics and over 80% of those ex-Catholics are under the age of 24. The Catholic Church has refused to budge on certain issues and has not welcomed modern thought into its doctrine. As a result, the Church has alienated young Catholics all over the world and forced them to choose between religion and society. If the Vatican allowed women to be ordained as priests, I guarantee that young Catholics would feel included and important within their faith community. Roman Catholic Church Canon Law 1024 bans the ordination of women priests (Roman Catholic Womenpriests). The Vatican maintains that women are not inferior to their male counterparts, instead, that women are separate but equal (Pope John Paul II). In response to the Episcopal Church allowing women to become ministers, Pope Paul VI released the Inter Insigniores in 1976 and claimed that the sacramental symbol of the priest taking the form of Christ in the Eucharist would not translate if women were to become priests. In 1995, Pope John Paul II stated, “Christ entrusted only to men the task of being an icon of his countenance as shepherd and bridegroom of Church through exercise of ministerial priesthood” (Pope John Paul II). An organization has surfaced within the last ten years that disagrees with the Church’s stance on women’s ordination. Roman Catholic Womenpriests (RCWP) is a movement devoted to the ordination of women in the Catholic Church, the propagation of information regarding a 21st Century model for the church (especially emphasizing inclusivity of women in Church hierarchy), and the ministry and community-building activities usually associated with the priesthood. Corresponding with the women’s movement in the US, the women of the Catholic Church decided to take back their heritage and support women’s rights in the Church. (Roman Catholic Womenpriests). The RCWP organization notes that scriptural and art evidence exists that there were women bishops until at least the ninth century while female deacons and women priests existed in the West during the fourth and fifth centuries. In 2002, the RCWP movement kicked off with the ordination of seven women on the Danube River in Germany. Then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger publicly denounced the women and cut them off from the Church by excommunicating them (Bonavoglia). The “Danube Seven” bravely faced these charges and continued to minister to their communities as Catholic priests. More and more women were ordained and in 2003, two women were ordained bishops (Roman Catholic Womenpriests). The movement came to the US when the first ordination in America was held in Pittsburgh in 2006. Now there are 5 bishops, 47 priests, and 10 deacons in the US who serve communities in all areas of the country (Roman Catholic Womenpriests). Worldwide, the RCWP has 10 bishops, 64 priests, and 82 deacons with more joining the movement every year (Roman Catholic Womenpriests). Currently, there are 120 worldwide. Members of the RCWP claim that Catholics who left the Church years ago are coming to them. Roman Catholic Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan has said of the supporters of the RCWP that “[they] are leading the Church, not leaving the Church.” Jesus chose a woman, Mary Magdalene, to be the first witness to the Resurrection. Catholicism is based on the Resurrection story and the RCWP’s mantra is “Jesus welcomed all, therefore, we welcome all.” The RCWP website claims that, “women and men are created equal by God and therefore equally represent Christ.” The women priests receive authority from the Roman Catholic bishops who stand in full Apostolic Succession and thus, consider themselves legitimate members of the Church. These women priests set about to reform the system and transform hierarchical structures. My aunt, Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan, sums up the RCWP movement by stating, “We are reclaiming the example of Christ and the early Church tradition of women serving in ministerial/priestly positions” (Meehan). Bridget Mary Meehan was ordained a Roman Catholic priest at the first US ordinations in Pittsburgh in 2006. In 2008, she was both ordained a bishop and excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. My aunt has remained steadfast in her faith and devoted to her Church. She simply refuses to accept an unjust punishment. Post-ordination and post-excommunication, my aunt has kept busy with her new vocation. She is in charge of press for the Roman Catholic Womenpriest movement. She has written eighteen books about feminism and the Catholic Church and edited at least three others. She has already written a great deal on the subject of Catholic women priests and recently published a book about her journey to the calling, Living Gospel Equality Now. Her response to the excommunication is, “I realize I am breaking the law to change the law.” My aunt is a woman of extreme courage and conviction. She has faced criticism, rejection, and prejudice but still stands up for what she believes in. The woman has gone against Church teaching and has been excommunicated by the Church she loves. She nonchalantly says, “By my choice, I am leading the Church, not leaving the Church.” It seems to me that a Church so in need of devoted followers should accept my aunt with open arms. In comparison to my aunt’s spotless record of selfless acts of service and love, this month welcomed yet another scandal in the long saga of pedophilic Catholic priests. Just last month, a grand jury statement was released that implicated 37 so-called “holy” men in sexual abuse of minors. As a result, over twenty priests were suspended from the archdiocese of Philadelphia on March 8th (O’Reilly). These alleged child molesters remain on paid leave and the Catholic Church is continuing its infuriating trend of not releasing their names to the public. These recent controversies have brought to light the corruption, hypocrisy, and malfeasance within the Church. The pedophilia and sex abuse cases against Catholic priests keep piling up and the American people have no problem criticizing the Church for its lack of action in such cases. Every single female priest, bishop, and deacon has been excommunicated from the Church by the Vatican. None of the clerics who have been found guilty of sex crimes have been excommunicated. There is a major problem with the Vatican if it does not see the injustice in that! I am a cradle Catholic and proud of it. But, I am not necessarily proud of what my Church preaches now. The declining numbers in the priesthood and the faithful devoted suggest that the hierarchy of the Church should promote a program that makes the priesthood more enticing. The Catholic Church is stuck in its past. Its policies and canon law are outdated and based on antiquated societal standards with women carrying little sway. There were women priests and deaconesses in early Church history but all of that has been passed over by male historians and Church hierarchy. I expect tolerance and equality in every aspect of my life and if my religion does not promote that, then I seriously need to rethink my faith. The Catholic Church needs to realize that it cannot survive in these times unless it becomes more flexible. In general, young Catholics are not receptive to the archaic traditions of the Church. Young Catholics want change and progress and will continue to leave the Church if they do not see improvements. The Vatican needs to show ex-Catholics that the Church cares about what they think. Allowing women to become priests would be a major step in the right direction for the Catholic Church.

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests Support Maryknoll Priest Roy Bourgeois: Call to Action

“Act Now to Support Maryknoll Priest Roy Bourgeois: Hold Maryknoll and Vatican Accountable”

We congratulate Fr. Roy Bourgeois for his courageous stance in public support of women priests. The Vatican’s oppressive tactics that have led Maryknoll to demand that he recant his support for women priests or be dismissed after 40 years in religious life are shameful. This patriarchal response manifests a domineering consciousness and not the Christ consciousness that affirms women and men as equals. More than any order, the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers are aware of the connection between "might makes right" and the suffering of women, children, and all marginalized peoples. Instead of standing up to the Vatican and shining their light by supporting Fr. Roy, and women priests, the Maryknoll Order is participating in the Vatican's abuse of power.

Our “Spirited” movement is growing in Canada, U.S. Europe and in Latin America. Now more and more people, including priests, nuns, and theologians are expressing their solidarity with women priests as a movement for justice and the full equality of women in the church. For the Catholic hierarchy, women priests are a revolution, for Fr. Roy and millions of people, the time has come for this holy shakeup!

Now it is your turn to take action and support Roy Bourgeois. Let us follow St. Catherine of Siena’s advice and cry out as if we had a million voices.

1. Contact Maryknoll by email, letter of phone. Express your support for Fr. Roy’s prophetic stance for justice and equality for women in the church.

mklcouncil@maryknoll.org

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers • Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America, Inc. PO Box 305 • Maryknoll, New York 10545-0305 Phone: (914) 941-7590

Write a note of thanks to Rev. Roy L. Bourgeois, M.M. P.O. Box 3330 Columbus, GA 31903

2. Sign petition of support of Ft. Roy on WOC website:

http://www.womensordination.org/index.php?option=com_chronocontact&chronoformname=form

Bridget Mary Meehan, rcwp

941-955-2313

sofiabmm@aol.com

Janice Sevre-Duszynska, rcwp

859-684-4247

rhythmnsofthedance@msn.com

http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

Maryknoll Order Threatens Fr. Roy Bourgeois with Dismissal from Order For Support of Roman Catholic Women Priests A Revolution or Holy Shakeup

Fr. Roy Bourgeois

Bishop Dana Reynolds,

Janice Sevre-Duszynska

Bridget Mary's Reflection:

Congratulations Fr. Roy Bourgeois! You are a prophet.

You crossed the VATICAN LINE. Your support of women priests have angered the bullies in the Vatican. Now they are demanding that you recant or you will be thrown out of the Maryknoll Order. Your are in big trouble for your courageous witness to Gospel equality in the Catholic Church! Just like the prophets of old! Thank you!

Shame! Shame on the Maryknoll Priests General; Edward Dougherty for giving in to such oppressive tactics. Is this how Jesus would behave? This kind of response manifests a domineering consciousness and not the Christ consciousness to which Jesus calls us. More than any order, the Maryknolls are aware of the connection between "might makes right" and the suffering of women, children, and all marginalized peoples.

Instead of standing up to the Vatican and shining their light by supporting Fr. Roy, and women priests, the Maryknolls are retrenching into medieval darkness by supporting the Vatican's abuse of power. Now is the time for Catholics to put their money where their hearts are and support the grassroots communities that foster justice and equality.

The Vatican and Maryknoll are on the wrong side of history again. Women worldwide are rising up for religious equality. Roman Catholic Women Priests have reclaimed our ancient heritage of leadership in the early Christian community. Women Priests are visible reminders that women are equal images of God, and are therefore worthy to celebrate the sacraments and interpret the Gospel from their lived experiences.

Our Spirited movement is growing in Canada, U.S. Europe and in Latin America. Now more priests , bishops nuns, and theologians are expressing their support and solidarity with the Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement. We owe a debt thanks to Fr. Roy Bourgeois for being a courageous witness to the words of Jesus who called women and men to be disciples and equals. For the Catholic hierarchy, women priests are a revolution, for Fr. Roy and millions of people, the time has come for this holy shakeup!

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

Bridget Mary Meehan,

RCWP 941-955-2313

sofiabmm@aol.com

Janice Sevre-Duszynska, RCWP

859-684-4247

rhythmsofthedance@msn.com

http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers • Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America, Inc. PO Box 305 • Maryknoll, New York 10545-0305 Phone: (914) 941-7590 Rev. Roy L. Bourgeois, M.M. P.O. Box 3330 Columbus, GA 31903

First Canonical Warning

Dear Father Bourgeois,

Since the September 27, 2006 letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was received we have been in communication with you via letter, and at least two meetings where you were ordered to recant your public views on the ordination of women priests and clearly told not to participate in their meetings and public events. You were Excommunicated Latae Senteniae reserved to the Apostolic See because after a canonical warning by the Society in 2008 you failed to recant within the stated 30 days from contumacy and disregard for the Magisterium of the Church on the matter of women's ordination (ct. 1347 CIC). . According to our documentation, you continued to speak publicly in favor of women's ordination in disobedience to the explicit instructions of your Superiors and recently participated (Feb. 12, 2011) in a panel of speakers following the showing of the film "Pink Smoke over the Vatican" at Barnard College in New York City. Sufficient time has now passed for you to consider the gravity of the matter. You are hereby asked one final time by the Superior General and his Council to publicly recant and accept the teaching of the Church on this serious matter concerning priestly ordination and the explicit teaching of the Church. : Having heard the advice of my Council, the Maryknoll Bishops' Advisory Board, and consultations with the Holy See, I now hereby declare that you will be dismissed from the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers) unless you publicly recant your views on the ordination of women and agree to obey your legitimate Superiors. If you fail to comply within fifteen (15) days of receipt of this first canonical warning, I will issue a second canonical warning. If you fail to respond to the second canonical warning, I will proceed with dismissal by submitting evidence of your contumacy as a priest who publically rejects the teaching of the Holy Father (C. 1371), also a priest who acted illegitimately in “communicatio in sacris” –such as participation in an invalid ordination ceremony of a woman (C. 1384). “Concelebrating” Mass with women analogous to simulation of the Eucharist (C. 1379), giving scandal to the Christian faithful in a serious matter over a two-year period (C. 1399) and Disobedience to the instructions and warnings of your legitimate Superiors and the Apostolic See (C. 601; MK Const. 40). The dismissal will be submitted to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for confirmation with a request for laicization. \. The Reasons for the Dismissal: In Accordance with Canon 696.1

1. For obstinate disobedience of your legitimate Superiors in violation of Canon Law and your Oath to the Society and the Magisterium of the Church in a grave matter.

2. Grave scandal given to the people of God, the Church, especially in the United States, and many of the Maryknoll Priests and Brothers.

3. Diffusion of teachings opposed to the definitive teaching of John Paul II and the Magisterium of the Church. (Cf. C. 1024; Ordinatio Sacerdotalis N.4 1994, AAS87 -1995-,1114) You have a right under law to self-defense, including a canonical counsel in this matter at all stages. You have a right to present to me, in person at in writing, your defense against this first canonical warning and proposed dismissal within fifteen (15) days of receipt of this warning. Please be advised of the seriousness of this matter.

Give at Maryknoll NYMarch 18, 2011 (signed)

Rev. Edward M. Dougherty, M.M. Superior General (signed)

Rev. Edwin J. McGovern, M.M. Secretary General

"Suspensions Force Bishops to Reassess Rule Changes"/ Will Catholics Hold Rigali and the Vatican Accountable?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/26/us/26bishop.html?_r=1&emc=eta1




New York Times/ Laurie Goodstein




"When a grand jury in Philadelphia reported last month that the archdiocese there allowed 37 priests accused of abuse or inappropriate behavior to remain in ministry, it came as a complete surprise to the local and national “review boards” that the bishops have put in place to help keep them accountable, members of those boards said. "...




..."Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia at first rebutted the grand jury’s findings, then changed course, suspended three priests and ultimately suspended 21 more — the largest mass suspension by a diocese in the three-decade history of the abuse scandal. ..




...Cardinal Rigali worked for many years in the Vatican and still has powerful allies there. A kingmaker among American bishops, he serves on the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, the body charged with recommending bishops’ assignments to the pope. (Also serving on that Vatican congregation: Cardinal Bernard F. Law, who resigned as archbishop of Boston in 2002 during the abuse scandal there.)




Bridget Mary's Reflection:

The real question Catholics must ask themselves at this latest shocking revelation that 37 priests who were accused of sexual abuse or misconduct remained in ministry in Philadelphia under the supervision of the Cardinal and the Review Board is about accountability. Now the Grand Jury is investigating and will hopefully get to the bottom of the facts in the case. But the bigger issue is a spiritual one and that is how can Catholics in the pews continue to support an institution that has betrayed them? Absolute power vested in a top down hierarchial system does not work.Have the people of God have enough of this corrupt system and criminal behavior?Isn't it time to hold the Cardinals, bishops and Vatican accountable? People of faith must take the next step, jump in and reform their church. We ,the people ,are the church, not the hierarchy alone. We cannot keep looking the other way, ignoring the elephant in our living rooms. Ask yourselves, what would Jesus do? Let's follow Jesus example of Gospel equality. He called women and men as disciples and equals.


Now is the time for a renewed priestly ministry united with the people of God. Now is the time for Catholic communities to call forth women priests and married priests. Limiting the priesthood to celibate males is no longer viable or healthy. It is a disaster!




Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP

http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

sofiabmm@aol.com

News Stories About Roman Catholic Women Priests/Canada

Watch news story on RCWP in Canada.
http://www.globaltvedmonton.com/video/index.html?releasePID=r0SdSg3DlqFEf9188plEhDGA0unfqBXS

A further write up by the newswoman, Christina Salvo, can be found at:
http://www.globaltvedmonton.com/Crime+against+faith/4491494/story.html

Making History Again: The First Woman Ordained in Latin America by the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests/ in English and Spanish

Roman Catholic Woman Priest, Martha Lulita Soto,
newly ordained priest on right, is presented to assembly
by Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan





From left to right: Olga Alvarado, first
Latin American Woman Priest ordained in
Sarasota Florida,
Judy Lee, Program Coordinator for Latin America,
Bridget Mary Meehan, and Martha Lulita Soto,
first woman ordained a Roman Catholic
Woman Priest in Latin America.



From left to right:
Olga Alvarado, Judy Lee,
Bridget Mary, Martha Lulita Soto

Making History Again: The First Woman Ordained in Latin America by the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

On March 20, 2011 Martha Lulita Soto was ordained by Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan. This historic ordination took place in an ecumenical center for justice and peace in a poor neighborhood where property was protected by high fences. When we entered the small rooms with old classroom chairs and wooden tables, it appeared to be a place like any other. We greeted the people assembled and formed a procession where neighborhood leaders, nuns, children, a Roman Catholic priest and a Presbyterian pastor joined us. Those gathered welcomed us with warmth, enthusiasm, and joyful anticipation of the history to be made.

Then the director of the center, a priest, stepped forward to greet us and explain the artifacts in the room. The chairs are labeled with the names of people who became martyrs. The large painting behind our makeshift altar, covered with a cloth made by indigenous people, revealed haunting faces of “los desaparecidos,” the many women and men who were taken during a time of holocaust in “war zones” as farmers protected their land. The priest showed us a large rock that was used to murder those who resisted oppression and those who stood with them. Many nuns, priests, missionaries, and lay ministers were among them. He showed relics and shared stories of the modern day martyrs and saints.

Silence and emotion encircled us as we realized that we were encompassed by a large cloud of witnesses who continue to support equality and justice for all. We were reminded of the statement from the Conference of Latin American Bishops held in Medellin, Colombia in 1968 that justice is a constitutive dimension of the Gospel: “The Christian quest for justice is a demand arising from biblical teaching…We have faith that our love for Christ and our brothers and sisters will not only be the great force liberating us from injustice and oppression, but also the inspiration for social justice, understood as a whole of life and as an impulse toward the integral growth of our countries."
http://personal.stthomas.edu/gwschlabach/docs/medellin.htm

The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests affirm this prophetic vision and dedicate our lives of service to justice for all, justice for the poor, and justice for women including women in the Roman Catholic Church, which mandates the ordination of women in a renewed priestly ministry united with the people we serve. Judy Lee, RCWP, program coordinator for Latin America, moved to tears, responded in Spanish that we were deeply grateful to share this holy space, and we join them in solidarity on this sacred ground. We will include these saints in our Litany of Saints in our ordinations. The priest responded that the issue of women in the church is a prime example of injustice, and expressed solidarity with women who are called to be priests. He needed to return his work and was not able to stay for the ordination.

Another priest was with us. He is a prominent theologian and educator who, in fact, taught theology to our ordinand and other women present. He assisted us throughout the ceremony.

Here, embraced by those who suffered and gave everything we stepped forward to ordain the second South American woman priest. The first, Olga Alvarado, was ordained in December in Sarasota, Florida. Before the Liturgy of the Word, as Olga presented the reasons Martha should be ordained, all present nodded in assent and affirmation. Martha was surrounded by two of her adult children and many friends and supporters. After an impassioned homily delivered by Bridget Mary and translated by Olga, people were emotional, responding with tears and applause as Martha Lulita Soto was ordained. All present came forward to bless her with the laying on of hands. During the time of giving thanks for supporters, a pastor of a local Christian Church stepped forward, welcomed Martha into the ecumenical community, and strongly affirmed support for our women priests. Martha ended the time of giving thanks with a poem she wrote that speaks of realizing the dream of equality and justice through active resistance. After the final blessing given by Bridget Mary and Martha, all embraced, dancing with one another in compassion and solidarity.

Later in the evening, we met with five applicants and their supporters. We were excited and moved to learn how their justice and compassion oriented ministries are in solidarity with the poor and outcast. We also noted that the theological preparation of these women was outstanding. The local Catholic University is progressive and there are many other learning opportunities available to our women.

It was stated that a local archbishop answered a young woman’s question regarding ordination by saying that the ground is prepared and the acceptance of women’s ordination to the priesthood may take ten years but it will come in the young woman’s lifetime!

The harvest is ready and the women are stepping forward as Roman Catholic Women Priests!

Judy Lee, RCWP judyabl@embarqmail.com
Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP sofiabmm@aol.com
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

SPANISH STORY

De Nuevo se Hace Historia: La primera mujer ordenada en Latinoamérica por la Asociación de Mujeres Presbíteras Católicas Romanas
Obispa Mary Bridget Meehan presenta Martha Soto( a la derecha) a la
Asamblea inmediatamente después de su ordenación.

Reverenda Olga Alvarado, primera sacerdote Latinoamericana, ordenada
en Sarasota, Florida,
Reverenda Judy Lee, coordinadora de programa para Latinoamérica
Obispo Bridget Mary Meehan, y Martha Soto, primera mujer ordenada como
Presbítera Católica Romana en Latinoamérica

De izquierda a derecha:
Reverenda Olga Alvarado, Reverenda Judy Lee, Obispa Bridget Mary
Meehan, y Reverenda Martha Soto

El 20 de Marzo de 2011 Marta Soto fue ordenada por Obispo Bridget Mary Meehan. Esta histórica ordenación se llevó a cabo en un centro ecuménico para justica y paz en un vecindario pobre donde la propiedad estaba protegida por altas cercas. Cuando entramos los pequeños salones con escritorios y sillas para estudiantes y mesas de madera, parecían ser un sitio como cualquier otro. Saludamos a las personas reunidas y formamos una procesión con los líderes del vecindario, monjas, niños, un sacerdote Católico Romano y un ministro Presbiteriano. Todos nos recibieron calurosamente, con entusiasmo y gozosa anticipación de la historia que se estaba forjando.

El sacerdote director del centro se adelantó a saludarnos y a darnos una explicación sobre el salón. Las sillas tienen los nombres de personas que fueron mártires. La gran pintura detrás de nuestro altar improvisado, estaba cubierto con una tela tejida por los indígenas, que mostraba las caras de "los desaparecidos", los muchos hombres y mujeres que fueron llevados durante el tiempo del holocausto en las "zonas de guerras" cuando los campesinos protegían sus tierras. El sacerdote nos mostró una piedra grande que fue usada para asesinar a quienes resistían la opresión y a quienes se mantuvieron al su lado. Entre ellos hubo muchas religiosas, sacerdotes, misioneros y ministros laicos. Nos mostró reliquias y nos contó historias de estos mártires y santos modernos. El silencio y la emoción nos envolvieron al darnos cuenta de que estábamos rodeadas de una nube de testigos que continua apoyando igualdad y justicia para todos.
Nos recordamos del pronunciamiento de la Conferencia de Obispos Latinoamericanos ocurrida en Medellín en 1968, que la justicia es una dimensión constitutiva del Evangelio. "La búsqueda Cristiana por la justicia es una demanda que emana de la enseñanza bíblica. Tenemos fe que nuestro amor por Cristo y sus hermanos y hermanas no solo será una fuerza liberadora de la justicia y opresión, sino que también será una inspiración para justicia social, entendida como una totalidad de vida y como un impulso hacia el crecimiento integral de nuestros países”.
La Asociación de Mujeres sacerdotes Católicas Romanas afirma esta visión profética y dedicamos nuestras vidas al servicio de justicia para todos, y justicia para las mujeres, incluso las mujeres en la Iglesia Católica Romana, que manda la ordenación de mujeres en una renovación del ministerio sacerdotal, unidas a las personas que servimos.
Judy Lee, Coordinadora del programa para Latinoamérica de RWCP, con lágrimas en los ojos, respondió en español que estábamos profundamente agradecidas de compartir este espacio sagrado y de unirnos en solidaridad en esta tierra sacrosanta. Incluiremos estos santos en nuestra Letanía de santos en nuestras ordenaciones. El sacerdote contestó que la exclusión de las mujeres del sacerdocio es un ejemplo de injusticia, y expresó su solidaridad con las mujeres llamadas al sacerdocio. Él tenía que volver a su trabajo y no pudo quedarse a la ordenación. Otro sacerdote que nos acompañó es un teólogo y educador de prominencia que enseñó teología a nuestra nueva presbítera y a otras de las mujeres presentes. El nos asistió durante toda la ceremonia.
Aquí, abrazadas por aquellos que sufrieron y sacrificaron todo, proseguimos a ordenar la segunda mujer de Sur América. La primera, Olga Alvarado, fue ordenada en Diciembre 2010 en Sarasota, Florida.
Antes de la Liturgia de la Palabra, cuando Olga presentó las razones por las que Martha debía ser ordenada, todos los presentes inclinaron la cabeza en asentimiento y afirmación. Marta estaba rodeada por dos de sus hijos adultos, muchos amigos y personas que la apoyan.
Después de una homilía apasionada de Bridget Mary y traducida por Olga, las personas estaban emocionadas, respondiendo con lágrimas y aplauso a la ordenación de Martha Soto. Todos los presentes avanzaron a bendecirla y a ponerle sus manos.
Al momento de dar las gracias por las personas que ofrecen apoyo, un pastor de una iglesia cristiana local avanzó a darle a Marta la bienvenida a la comunidad ecuménica, y expresó su apoyo por nuestras mujeres sacerdotes. Marta concluyó el momento de agradecimiento con un poema escrito por ella que habla de la realización del sueño de igualdad y justicia a través de la resistencia activa.
Después de la bendición final dada por Bridget Mary y Martha todos nos abrazamos, danzando el uno con el otro en compasión y solidaridad.
Mas tarde en la noche nos reunimos con cinco solicitantes y personas que las apoyan. Estábamos emocionadas y conmovidas de ver cómo sus ministerios orientados hacia justicia y compasión son solidarios con los pobres y los rechazados. La Universidad Católica local es progresista y hay muchas otras oportunidades para estudio disponibles para nuestras mujeres.
Se dijo que un arzobispo local respondió a la pregunta de una joven sobre ordenación diciendo que el terreno esta preparado y la aceptación de la ordenación de mujeres puede demorar diez años pero va a ser una realidad durante la vida de esta joven.
La cosecha esta lista y las mujeres están avanzando como Presbíteras Católicas Romanas.
Judy Lee, RCWP judyabl@embarqmail.com
Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP sofiabmm@aol.com www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

Lenten Reflection/ A Prophetic Meditation to Move Our Hearts and Stir Us Into Action for Justice and Equality in our World

by Sr. Barbara Valuckas, SSND from Women's Song (National Sisters Vocational Conference, 1986, Used with permission)

An adaptation of Isaiah 58: 1-9

O Sisters and Brothers in your ministries,
Would that you might fast so as to make your voices heard on this earth and in this Church?
Is this the manner of fasting that I wish of keeping a season of penance:
That you bow down your heads like reeds as if you accepted your conditioning to passivity and submission, and lie in sack cloth and ashes, as if you believed what you have been taught about your worthlessness to Church and society?
Do you call this a fast?
Is this the kind of behavior you think I want of you to make you acceptable to me?
No! This rather is the fasting that I wish for you as women and men:
That you confront injustice in your communities, Church and world as a way of releasing those bound unjustly … to release your own closed heart to create a pure heart to foster the spiral of life
That you untie the thongs of patriarchy that have bound your bodies and your imaginations… that we may celebrate our bodies as Sophia wisdom
That you set free your own potential as women and men knowing that you cannot set free other oppressed persons unless you do… create in us a unbound heart , free us from our own prison of frenzied activity, judgmental attitudes, self-centered visions.
That you work for breakthroughs in the yokes that prevent dialogue, reconciliation and peacemaking.

I want of you to share your bread with the hungry, but also ask and help others to ask about the reason for the hungry….
I want you to shelter the oppressed and the homeless but also ask and help others to ask about the reasons for homelessness and oppression.
I want you to clothe the naked but also to ask and help others to ask about the inequalities that exist among the members of our human family and how we protect the earth that has no voice but ours.
I want you to imagine and to move toward a new future to build the spiral of life without turning your back on those who cannot follow or imagine as quickly as you can.
Then your light shall break like the dawn, and Sophia burst forth in new life within. Your woundedness as women and men shall quickly be healed. Ashes turned into new life. Your vindication shall go before you and my nurturing love will nourish you

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Amen, may it be so! May we live Christ's loving service to those at the margins of church and society and change unjust structures that cause so much of the world's suffering! May we be prophets and saints that move our world closer to God and call our sisters and brothers to action to make a more peaceful, just and equal world.
Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

Prayers for Devastating Times: Be Strong, Fear Not/God Weeps With Us/ We Shall Overcome

As we see the heart-wrenching scenes of people who have lost everything in the horrific earthquake and tsunami in Japan, we see the face of God weeping over the destruction. Our hearts break at the loss and the suffering of our sisters and brothers who are facing unimaginable tragedy all aroud them including a nuclear disaster.
As we watch young people standing up for justice, freedom and human rights in Egypt, Libya, and other countries in the Middle East, we are moved by their courage and idealism.
We are conscious of the infinite, boundless love of the Holy One, called by many names, who walks among us. In God's love, through God's power working within us, we shall overcome. We are one world-- all people are God's holy people!
These prayers are for you:
Nothing ahead of you is bigger, or stronger than the power of God behind you. (Be strong in God and in God's mighty power, Eph. 6:10)
Do not fear for I am with you, Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Those who hope in God will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. (Isaiah 40:32)
We can do all things through God who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13)
Bridget Mary Meehan RCWP
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

"Woman deacon recants, seeks reunion with church"/ National Catholic Reporter

Woman deacon recants, seeks reunion with church National ...

Mar. 14, 2011
By Zoe Ryan

"Bridget Mary Meehan, communication representative for the group, said Coon e-mailed her Jan. 1 asking that Meehan remove videos and photographs of her on the movement’s Web site. To be reinstated into the church, Coon explained to Meehan, she must dissolve all connection with the group. Meehan said she complied.
Members of Roman Catholic Womenpriests said that Coon had experienced personal family trauma, including health issues and the death of her 42-year-old son, who died in 2010 from a burst aortic aneurysm, according to the obituary on The San Diego Union-Tribune Web site.
“She is our sister, our beloved sister, and we wanted to help her follow her conscience,” Meehan told NCR. “There are no hard feelings. We understand totally.”
Meehan said that Roman Catholic Womenpriests warns the women who join them “that they’re going to be excommunicated.” The typical length of preparation to the diaconate is one year, but it varies depending on the person. The program is individualized for each person and includes an intake clinical interview and psychological screenings, among other things..."

"Sex Abuse and Legacy of Lay Passivity"/ Time for Catholics to Hold Hierarchy Accountable for Sex Abuse of Children

Sex abuse and the legacy of lay passivity
By Jamie L Manson
Created Mar 14, 2011
http://www.ncronline.org/blogs/grace-margins/sex-abuse-and-legacy-lay-passivity
"This past Ash Wednesday, while most Catholics were being told to turn away from sin, the faithful in Philadelphia were informed that the hierarchy had, once again, failed to do so themselves.
"Even with so much already said, there is still one question that troubles me. Why are we, the Catholic laity, still letting the hierarchy get away with it? "
...But why isn’t everyone speaking out? Why isn’t every church-going Catholic demanding repentance and genuine reform from church authorities? "


Bridget Mary's Reflection

Jamie Manson's article is right on! There are no excuses for Catholics who ignore sex abuse crimes against children. I understand the dissociation theory because it is so overwhelming. The sex abuse crisis in the Roman Catholic Church is like an unending tsunami that destroys everything in its path.

I don't understand how the institutional Catholic Church has got away with behaving like a crime family! Most accessories to crime do time in jail. How come the hierarchy of the Catholic Church is not held accountable? It is an outrage! Catholics who continue to support the hierarchy need to examine their consciences. The Grand Jury Report in Philadelphia is the last straw! Catholics must demand reform now, accountability now, a people-empowered church now! How can they continue to support such a sick, corrupt system? My niece, Katie, a young college age Catholic woman shared that, in her view, the Catholic Church did not seem to be very spiritual. No wonder many young women and men are walking away! The hierarchy has betrayed the the people of God, and the young are not finding a spiritual home in their own faith community.



So now what? We need to get back to basics, prayer, spirituality, social justice and inclusive liturgies. In a priest-short, scandal-ridden church, Catholics can reach out to their alienated Catholic friends and form new faith communities. Roman Catholic Women Priests and married priests are serving a growing number of these kinds of alternative Catholic communities ,We are living Gospel equality now --- no longer are we asking permission, we are leading the way by doing it within a people-empowered faith community. Some people are finding us though google and social media. Rise up, speak out, protest the cover-ups, demand transparency and accountability. Withhold Sunday donations until genuine reform takes place. Pick a cause that helps the needy and redirect your money there. Live your baptismal call to follow Christ and "be Christ" in our world in service of others. Be part of the solution, not the problem. We the people are church! It is our responsibility to bring about change, a peaceful revolution, in imitation of Jesus in the Gospel, who stood on the margins with the poor and marginalized. Think about making amends to the victims of priest abusers. Support organizations like SNAP and Voice of the Faithful. Visit bishopaccountability.org Support legislation that lifts the statue of limitations. The bishops often oppose such legislation. Now that is an outrage! Shout it from the rooftops.

Like Mary, who proclaimed the Magnificat, we need to speak truth to our pope and bishops. We need to take responsibility for our church. Would you tolerate a sexual predator in your neigborhood? Why do we tolerate a church who hid sexual predators? The Vatican guidelines do not mandate that the bishops must report clergy sex abuse to civl authorities! When the Irish bishops decided to finally do so, the Vatican opposed them. Check out the RTE Special Report. (link on my blog)
It is time for a holy shakeup in the Catholic Church. Now more then ever we need the wisdom and energy of young women, like Jamie and my niece Katie, to revitalize and reimagine our church.

Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP

http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

Meditation and Mantras: A Boost to Both Soul and Brain/ Prayer Affirmations for Lenten Meditation

Meditation is a popular practice for millions of people throughout the world. However many of us do not realize the unexpected benefits not only bless our souls, but also enhance our brain's health.

In an article that appeared in the Washington Post entitled "Mantras, Meditation May Give Your Brain a Boost", Carolyn Butler writes:"New research from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston indicates that meditating regularly can actually change our brain structure for the better and in just a few months. (www.heraldtribune.com/health, Tue., March 8, 2011)

So here are a few suggestions for Lent:
1. Establish a routine- a daily practice- (5 or 10 minutes works)

2. Be conscious that all of life and everyday activity is laden with grace- with the presence of the divine. Whether eating, drinking, walking, driving, talking, God is always already present loving you in the present moment and offering you opportunities to love, give, forgive, heal, and grow holy and healthy.

3. Let distractions go. Don't get caught up in doing it "right". When distractions come, let them go, release worry about past or future and gently be attentive to the present.

4. Mantras are simple prayer words or a phrase that can help you center and be attentive to the precious moment. There are many forms of meditation and a wide diversity of approaches: chanting, centering prayer, guided relaxation exercises etc.

A few powerful mantras that focus our spirits on the divine are: God, Sophia, Holy Wisdom, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Yahweh, Holy One, Creator. One can also use words like any of the following words: peace, love, compassion. etc

Prayerful Affirmations:
God's infinite boundless love is embracing me, my family, ___
I thank a loving God for all the miracles I have received.
God's love sustains, supports and strengthens me in all that I do.
With God's help and love, I let go of all my fears.
God, your heart of love and healing fills my soul.
I let go of resentment and open my heart to forgiveness and healing.
I am a passionate reflection of the Holy One in our world.
(adapted from my book, Affirmations from the Heart of God)
Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

"Monster Quake Devastates Japan'/ NPR/ Our Prayers Are With People of Japan and the People of Libya and the Middle East

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/03/11/134472279/the-scale-of-disaster-seems-beyond-our-imagination

"The sun rose Saturday on Japan to reveal a country wracked by a 30-foot tsunami and the most powerful earthquake the country had ever recorded.
"I was terrified, and I'm still frightened," restaurant manager Hidekatsu Hata told Reuters from Tokyo moments after the quake struck. "I've never experienced such a big quake before."



Google launched a "person-finder" to help victims and families.
In the U.S., the resulting tsunami struck the west coast and Hawaii.

Bridget Mary's Reflection:

Our prayers are with the people of Japan and all those affected by the horrific earthquake and tsunami that hit the Far East today.

Our prayers are with the people of Libya, Egypt and all who support human rights, justice and liberty in the Middle East, and in all countries throughout the world. As Martin Luther King taught us," injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Let us pray that justice, freedom and human rights will overcome! May it be so, Loving God!

Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP

www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

Vatican Survey to Select Bishops 'Could be Illegal'

Barney Zwartz
March 12, 2011 from the Sidney Morning Herald

"A SECRET Vatican document used to research possible bishops almost certainly breaches Australian anti-discrimination laws and seems designed to ensure only the most conformist candidates can be promoted.

The questionnaire, sent to trusted clergy and a few laypeople by the Pope's ambassador, asks about the candidate's personal qualities, orthodoxy, loyalty to the Pope, commitment to celibacy and opposition to women priests, and his public image. It asks about predisposition to hereditary illness and the family's "condition"...
"...Its spokesman Paul Collins said the document's deficiencies were more important than usual because several bishops will retire in Australia in the next two years, including the archbishops of Brisbane, Perth and Hobart.

He said the questionnaires were used to assess candidates before the Papal Nuncio (Pope's ambassador) presented a shortlist to the Pope.

Dr Collins said among the objectionable requirements were fidelity to the "genuine tradition of the church'' and ''authentic renewal" promoted by the 1960s reforming Vatican Council, which meant support for the current papal line of reversing these reforms.

The most iniquitous requirement was adherence to the 1998 Statement of Conclusions imposed on Australian bishops.

"The Australian bishops were said to be far too egalitarian and laissez-faire. The views of a tiny unrepresentative group were adopted by the Curia and forced on the bishops without consultation," Dr Collins said.

The present system ensured appointed bishops were conformists whose primary gaze was upwards to the Pope rather than down towards the church. Pastoral aspects took a minor place in the questionnaire.

"The bishops are like Hitler's generals in that their oath of loyalty to the Pope utterly cripples them. They are unable to take any action contrary to Rome, and seem not to be interested in the local church," Dr Collins said."

"The Crisis of Episcopal Governance in Philadelphia" by Michael Sean Winters

by Michael Sean Winters
on Mar. 09, 2011

http://ncronline.org/blogs/distinctly-catholic/crisis-episcopal-governance-philadelphia
..."The announcement yesterday that 21 priests in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia were being placed on administrative leave demonstrates conclusively that the Dallas norms have failed. (Another five were either already retired or had left the archdiocese.) "

"And this is no ordinary diocese. It is led by a cardinal, indeed, by one of the most powerful cardinals in America given his active responsibilities as a member of the Congregation for Bishops. Over the past few years, the fastest way to become a bishop was to be a successful monsignor in Philadelphia.
But we now know the man at the helm was not only derelict in his duties, he completely misunderstood the nature and import of the promises made to the faithful at Dallas...
..." The Vatican must remove Cardinal Rigali and remove him now.
..."The New Evangelization? Forget about it. Pro-life activities? Not a chance. Advocacy for the poor? It rings hollow. If the leaders of the Church cannot be trusted to keep their most solemn pledge to protect children, they cannot be trusted at all. If they fail to see this, their moral sensibility is not merely skewed, it is dead. It is not only that they cannot be trusted, it is that they should not be trusted...
Cardinal Rigali has proved himself eminent in his arrogance, in his willingness to flout the standards of conduct to which he had pledged himself. For the good of the Church, no, for the survival of the Church, he must go and he must go in disgrace. No continued membership of the Congregation for Bishops. No sinecure. Let him go someplace quiet and repent of his sins.
..."the Holy See can remove a bishop from his diocese. The ball is now in the Vatican’s court. If they fail to move swiftly in Philadelphia, the people of God in Ireland and Germany and around the world will take note and the church will be seen to be unserious in its promises. .."
..."The situation in Philadelphia is not, as one person put it, “Boston Reborn.” This is worse than Boston. After Dallas, there is no excuse."

"Can the Church Still be Saved?" by Hans Kung/ Urges Catholics "to Seize Control of Church from Clerical Masters"

Tuebingen, Germany -


"..Speaking at the book launch in Tuebingen, Germany, Wednesday, the 82-year-old said Jesus Christ would not like today's Catholic Church."

'If Jesus of Nazareth returned, he would not prohibit contraceptives, he would not shut out divorced people, and so on, Kueng said.'

"He charged that the curia, or Vatican bureaucracy, had come up with a long series of rulings over the centuries that opposed the teachings laid down in the Christian New Testament..."

..."In the book, he argues that resistance to church doctrines that are 'obviously against the Gospels' is a duty."

"Kueng said this included Catholic parishes insisting on keeping their priests after they marry, even if church law declares the man is no longer a priest. He said the church could only saved by the faithful taking over responsibility for their church. "

Bridget Mary's Reflection
Kudos to Hans Kung for speaking truth to power, confronting the abouse of power by church authorities and for calling Catholics to stand up to the Vatican.
I agree that Jesus would not recognize the institutional Roman Catholic Church today. Jesus would not prohibit contraceptions, or prohibit divorced people from receiving sacraments. Jesus would not condemn gay, lesbian or transgendered people. Since Jesus's disciples were male and female, if Jesus returned today he would welcome married priests and women priests into the circle of discipleship!
Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

Philadelphia Priests Suspended Over Sex Abuse Report

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12684494

"Twenty-one priests in the US city of Philadelphia have been suspended after being named in an inquiry into claims of widespread child molestation.
The move follows the release last month of a grand jury report in which 37 priests were identified as suspects.
Cardinal Justin Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia, said the 21 Roman Catholic priests had been placed on leave while their cases were reviewed
Three of the 37 priests named as suspects in the grand jury report were suspended in February, a week after its release.
Five more were already on leave, serving elsewhere or no longer in active ministry, the Philadelphia archdiocese said."

"Forget about Sainthood, Let's Worry about Ministry" NCR Online

by Bill Tammeus on Mar. 09, 2011 National Catholic Reporter Online

"I won’t hide my own opinion here behind these nameless “many Protestants” to whom I’ve been referring (though they exist). My opinion is that all of the money, staff and other resources the church uses in the saint-naming process could be better used to do needed ministry to a wounded world.
I don’t know what all of that effort and staff cost, but whatever it is, wouldn’t it be better to devote the resources to feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, comforting the bereaved and healing the abused?"

"Not Bad for a Day of Ordinary Miracles" by Judy Lee, RCWP

The Shadow At the Door

She was a dark shadow on the door

of the downtown St Francis Catholic Church
huddled in the corner

between the white wall and the red door

thin and gaunt,

black on black

except for the blue checked men's winter jacket pulled over her head.

This was where she lived for all the world to see.

Urine ran down her legs gathering in her one sandal,

the smell was a cornered animal baking in the Florida sun.

I moved closer very slowly, not sure it was her.

"Jennifer", I whispered her name.

The coat, concealing her wet dress and a plastic bag

with rancid foodthat she was eating,

slipped down over her pencil thin shoulders covered with infected bug bites.

"Pastor", she said,"I was praying-God sent you to me".

"Yes, Jennifer" I said, moving closer,"God sent me,

will you come with me so we can get your income back

and find a place for you to live inside?"

"I"ve been waiting for you", she stammered,

moving toward the car, and getting in.

"Can I have a fish sandwich?""

As many as you like."

And before the end of the day,

she had her income restored,

a downpayment on her new trailer home,

and a fish sandwich with all the works.

"Thank God, thank God, she said.

Her name is *Jennifer Blue and

she is no longer a shadow on the door of the Catholic church

but an equal at the Table and a home owner besides.

Not bad for a day of ordinary miracles.

Judy Lee, RCWP

( *Jennifer Blue is a pseudonym to protect privacy.)

http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

Ft. Myers, Florida

Bridget Mary's Reflection:

Pastor Judy Lee, RCWP, works with the homeless in Ft. Myers, Florida.

The Women of Innsbrook Diocese Demand Women Priests/ Austria Leads the Way to a Spirit-Filled, People -Empowered Revolution in Catholic Church

Historic Ordinations in Pittsburgh, PA./USA

http://kath.net/detail.php?id=30471


http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://www.kath.net/detail.php%3Fid%3D30471&ei=QKF2TfXLJMKjtgepmKilBg&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CBwQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3DAntir%25C3%25B6mische%2B%2527Visionen%2527%2Bin%2Bder%2BDi%25C3%25B6zese%26hl%3Den%26prmd%3Divns

"We're all about, that the spiritual traditions of women in all cultures and religions are respected and further developed", said Ritter Grepl her eyes wide with about the "Catholic box" addition. The Catholic Church is particularly challenged," says Gertraud Ladner, president of the Catholic Women's Commission in Innsbruck. ..."Among the five points include the requirement of equality of the sexes in the various religions and religious communities and "the same entry criteria for offices and services for women and men - particularly in the Roman Catholic Church...De facto, making it the requirement of priestly ordination for women meant. "

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Kudos to the people of Austria standing up for women priests in the Roman Catholic Church. Your witness for justice is prophetic. May it ignite a worldwide demand for women priests as partners and equals in a non-clerical renewed priestly ministry in an egalitarian, just, people-empowered, Spirit-filled Catholc Church!
Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

"Vatican II Beyond Pietism"/ Pax Christi South by J. Patrick Mahon/ Imagine Catholics in St. Peter's Square Demanding Justice for All/Women Priests

http://paxchristisouth.org/2011/03/06/vatican-ii-beyond-pietism/
"We cannot allow power-driven patriarchs to dismantle Vatican II. We live and pray and work in a world that values contemplation, collegiality, dialogue, justice, ecumenism, primacy of conscience, and participation. Espousing these values, Merton was critical and outspoken about abuses of church authority. He chastised the institutional church for giving primacy to institutional values over the value of individuals living and loving in communio. He called the institutional church a collective—the very same term that was applied to Communist dictatorships. Strong prophetic words in deed! He believed that the patriarchs in control of the church were intent upon building monumental tombstones over the church’s own grave."
"We must interrupt the funeral procession of the church. In my wildest dreams, I imagine a scene like Tahrir Squre in the piazza of St. Peter’s—millions of Vatican II Catholics camping out and nonviolently protesting until the pope and his minions recognize the priesthood of the people of God..."

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Thank you, Patrick Mahon, for this wonderful image. I, too, imagine millons of Vatican II Catholics camping out and nonviolently protesting the lack of women in top leadership positions in the Vatican and demanding women priests in their parishes! (canon law reserves top jobs to the ordained and canon 1024 reserves the priesthood to baptized males.)
Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org