Mexican Women Demonstrate For Women's Ordination at the Vatican

http://planocreativo.wordpress.com/2011/05/09/la-sociedad-se-resiste-a-la-transformacion-pero-la-evolucion-hacia-niveles-de-consciencias-superiores-es-imparable-e-irreversible/

PAPESSE NEL VATICANO

Bridget Mary's Reflection

What a joy to see young women take up the cause of women priests and demonstrate at the Vatican!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

"Ireland Confronts the Vatican" New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/15/opinion/15fri3.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

..."A principal factor in the cover-up, the government study found, was a Vatican letter in 1997 warning Irish church leaders against full cooperation with law enforcement authorities. The papal representative wrote that the anti-abuse policies conflicted with church law and should be considered “merely a study document.”

"This turned criminal law on its head and, as the study noted, gave bishops “freedom to ignore” the tougher rules and protect abusers in the church. ...With the pedophilia scandal under investigation worldwide, Vatican officials point to new, tougher rules. But the rules, which do not require dioceses to report allegations of crimes to the police, are considered only advisory guidelines to bishops. The Dublin government has enacted a new law making it a crime for anyone, church officials included, to fail to report child abuse to civil authorities. The Vatican has a valuable lesson to learn in Ireland."

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
I am proud of Ireland, the land of my birth, as civil leaders confront the Vatican for their central role in the cover-up of sexual abuse that has damaged thousands of innocent lives. The Vatican has acted like a crime family in this global cover-up. The Irish have put their "foot down" and reminded the hierarchy that they are subject to civil law like everyone else. Obviously, the Irish leaders do not fear the crack of a crozier anymore!

Here we are now a year after the Vatican put women priests in the same category as pedophiles! One wonders if church officials were trying to distract world attention from the reforms necessary to deal with the pedophile crisis such as mandatory reporting of sexual abuse to civil authorities.

The take home lesson is that, we in the international Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement, are flourishing as more faith-filled women seek ordination to serve the people of God and renew our church. In this sense, you could say that the Vatican is the gift that keeps on giving!

Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

Cincinnati Community and Bridget Mary Dialogue About ARCWP at Luncheon and Liturgy

Cincinnati Community shared lunch and conversed
about Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
at Ruth Steinert Foote's home.


Ruth Steinert Foote (left)
Bridget Mary (right) Ruth hosted gathering and
prepared a delicious luncheon for over 30 people.


Diane Dougherty, Bridget Mary Meehan
Janice Sevre-Duszynska, (left to right),
from Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
participated in conversation, luncheon and liturgy.
Janice is the presider at monthly inclusive
liturgies in Cincinnati where all are welcome.


Joyous liturgy with community gathered around altar
where we prayed Eucharistic Prayer.

Bridget Mary's Reflection:

What a joy to meet this dynamic inclusive community of kindred spirits who meet monthly in Cincinnati to worship together. The Holy Spirit is indeed a'moving here in this empowered gathering!

We shared a delicious meal provided by Ruth Steinert-Foote and members of this wonderful community. There was time for conversation about the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests. In the evening, we gathered again to celebrate a joyous liturgy with a dialogue homily and once again converse about our movement for justice and equality in our church and world. I was deeply moved by the energy and enthusiasm of the group for a renewed priestly ministry in a community of equals as part of the justice mission of the church! No wonder Janice Sevre-Duszynska, ARCWP, delights in presiding at montly liturgies here!

For more information, contact Janice at rhythmsofthedance@msn.com

Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/
sofiabmm@aol.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wanda Russell & Miriam Picconi

Deacons: ARCWP, Palm Coast, Florida

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

"Absolute Monarchs" History of the Papacy by John Julius Norwich- A Must Read:/Reviewed by NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/books/review/book-review-absolute-monarchs-a-history-of-the-papacy-by-john-julius-norwich.html?emc=eta1

"2000 years of popes-- sacred and profane"

By BILL KELLER

"A scholar or devout Roman Catholic would probably not have had so much fun, for example, with the tale of Pope Joan, the mid-ninth-century Englishwoman who, according to lore, disguised herself as a man, became pope and was caught out only when she gave birth. Although Norwich regards this as “one of the hoariest canards in papal history,” he cannot resist giving her a chapter of her own. It is a guilty pleasure, especially his deadpan pursuit of the story that the church, determined not to be fooled again, required subsequent papal candidates to sit on a chaise percée (pierced chair) and be groped from below by a junior cleric, who would shout to the multitude, “He has testicles!” Norwich tracks down just such a piece of furniture in the Vatican Museum, dutifully reports that it may have been an obstetric chair intended to symbolize Mother Church, but adds, “It cannot be gainsaid, on the other hand, that it is admirably designed for a diaconal grope; and it is only with considerable reluctance that one turns the idea aside.”

Bridget Mary's Reflection:

The history of the papacy is full of scandal. If a movie was released today on its sordid past, it would be triple X-rated! No wonder, the growing acceptance of women priests is shaking up the Vatican!

Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

Report from Olga Lucia Alvarez Benjumea- African National Meeting in Medellin, Columbia

Some contributions of the African National Meeting, Medellín 18-24/11

Olga Lucia Alvarez Benjumea

The Gospel of Christ is a policy choice to follow Christ is a political choice. I am not referring to any party, least of Christianity as such. Christianity has nothing of Christ, is a mere ideology, power struggle and lies "messianic" and assembly are continue to take advantage, "powerful" civil and religious of all time.

"The Afro-descendants is not a matter of skin, is a culture of African descent, is an option, a way of living, a way of being.Colombia is a country that indigenous African. "(1)

What it means to be African? Consider for a moment, what is said, what we say, what we believe or would have us believe, about being African?

Contributions of the African National Conference (Medellín June 18-24/11)

"- Afro Being a political choice.
- Implications for People and Community Reading the Bible in African perspective.
- You have to link the action of God in world history.
- Need to restore historical consciousness.
- Make the break maps.
In Gen 10:8, we find the first powerful man on earth.
-In Judah is a colony from the eighth century Ethiopian (African).
-In this colony are some Prophets (Zephaniah 1:1)
- Zephaniah is found by the 640 ac (peasant revolution time of Amun)
- A part of the community is to serve the monarchy and the community who oppose the monarchy in this part belongs Zephaniah-
(Mitochondrial Eve) "

To make a Reading Community People of the Bible is not enough to read and reflect, in a popular sector, believing that was a Reading Community People of the Bible. The LPCB, there are changes that are live and feel. It is opening the doors of Life and the Bible. LPCB changes us, transforms us, liberates us. This tool is not in the academies, or libraries, is the life of yesterday and today made present in our reality.

We can not do without contextualizing LPCB, text, without being involved in the story, as subjects = craftsmen. "The architects are more inclusive with the possibility of recognition and inclusion. It expresses the dynamics, the potential that human beings have for the historical building.

It's not just the one in the text but the text that builds community and read the text because it is the architect hermeneutical suspicion.. "(2) We must find the entries in the text, hold the keys (" We share different keys as people, places, symbols, relationships, values, feelings, dreams, ideas, memories, bodies, language, power, problems, attitudes, etc.. With them we can open to life and the lives of the Bible discover that hidden, lost, denied, etc. ") (3) with keys digging, crawling, wondering, guessing, observing, comparing, questioning, imagining, intuiting. The Word of God speaks and continues to speak to the simple.

This is done in community, group, working together, adults, women, men, youth, children / as the city field, a worker, professional, religious / a, each in his own mind can perceive, the contribution of the word, either from the Hermeneutics of gender or the African perspective, which is what we are all / os involved.


"The Afro has been invisible in the Bible readings own Western world. Many of these readings obscure the African presence because of superficial analysis that does not delve into the biblical texts intentionally. So, before we enter the text important to begin identifying the elements characteristic of the Hebrew canon compared to the canon of the Septuagint. "
Proceedings of the National African Encounter, Medellín June 18-24/11

Any Bible text can work in our case, we have deepened the text of Nehemiah Chapter 5 and the Book of Ruth. Here, some comments and betting:

Economic:
What led the people of Nehemiah to the economic crisis?
How long will last this situation?
What are the people to react?

Social:
Why are women in charge?
Why does the text mention the presence of women in the protest?

Politics:
What motivates Nehemiah to deceive the people?
What interests defends Nehemiah?

Theological
How part of who God is?
What is the God of Nehemiah?
What is the God of the people?
In which religion influences for operators restored land and cancel the debts?
Why are women who can be rescued by others?
Why women enslaved man worth less than the enslaved?

Values ​​of African Communities: Among the highlights:

Hospitality
Joy
Fortaleza,
Courage
Dignity
Resistance
Talent
love of life, solidarity,
Delivery
Release
Resilience
Welcome,
Honesty, perseverance,
Perseverance
commitment
love,
Spirituality
Courage
Humility
Responsibility


If there is interest in learning and deepen this methodology for pastoral work in grassroots communities in the parish or House / Church, please contact:
CEDEBI: Carrera 41 Nro.13-41
Phone: 2323901 Teusaquillo Barrio,
Bogota-Colombia
NOTES:

1) Contribution of Emigdio P. Cuesta (afro) at the National Afro Medellín June 18-24/11
2) Contributions of Afro-Medellin National Meeting in June 18-24/11
3) Contributions of the Community Method of Reading the Bible People. Author: Anibal Canaveral, biblical scholar, member of CEDEBI (Collective Ecumenical Bible scholar).

Roman Catholic Women Priest Reports: Meeting of Ecumenical Leaders and Scholars in Medellin

Report from Olga Lucia Alvarez Benjumea, ARCWP:

Convened by the CEDEBI (Collective Ecumenical Biblical scholars) 30 people consisting of leaders of different cities from 18 to 24 Junio/11 met in the city of Medellin, a national ecumenical meeting to study , reflect and pray the Word using the Methodology "Community Reading the Bible People," by African hermeneutic perspective. We reflected on Nehemiah 5 and the book of Ruth.

Every morning before entering the working groups, enjoyed the ecumenical prayer in our different rites and liturgies, drawing the support of the decree Ad Gentes, Vatican II and "The Pastoral Mission to Latin America" ​​Paper Melgar CELAM (1968)

Olga is the President and Legal Representant of CEBEDI.

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests affirm that justice for the poor and oppressed is constitutive to the Gospel and an important part of the social justice teaching of Vatican II.
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

A Day in the Life of a Woman Priest in Latin America- "Pastoral en Soacha"

"Pastoral en Soacha"

Olga Lucia Alvarez Benjumea, a Roman Catholic Women Priest, shares her story of a "A Day in the Life of a Woman Priest"

David and Alexandra accompanied me to make visits to families who opened their homes and hearts to us. We prayed for healing and blessing on all those we visited. The Moms were delighted that their children particpated. David and Alexandra enjoyed our lunch together, especially the ice cream. I was blessed by the hospitality and warmth of the families we met.

Bridget Mary's Reflection:

Sounds to me like Jesus was truly present in your visits, dear Olga, courageous woman priest, as you serve your beloved community in Latin America. You are an inspiration to us all!

Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

Trouble With New Roman Missal/How About Trying New Worship Aides by Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests?

COMING SOON --For ADVENT: Worship Aides with Inclusive Language

Are you troubled by New/old Roman Missal?

Then try an alternative Vatican II style liturgy with inclusive language

Simple, easy to use on a 8 by 11 -two-sided sheet of paper.


If you are interested, contact Bridget Mary Meehan at sofiabmm@aol.com and/or visit our web site to download the resource when it is ready. Our goal is to have it ready before Advent.
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

"Trouble with New Roman Missal"
(read on and weep at the backward direction steeped in clericalism, Would Jesus recognize this new/old text as a celebration of the sacred meal he asked us to share?!)

The article below was published on Commonweal magazine
(http://commonwealmagazine.org)

"Beginning in Advent of this year, the language of the Mass will be very different. A new translation of the Roman Missal—the book of prayers used in the Mass—will be put into use in all Catholic churches in the English-speaking world. Some who have read the new prayers are pleased with the changes. Others are gravely concerned.

"In recent months, priests in Ireland, Australia, the United States, and elsewhere have voiced objections, saying this translation is not what the church needs—and that it will be divisive. What is it about the new translation that has caused such an uproar....The new translation includes sentence fragments, odd locutions, opaque expressions, and redundancies. There are also historical oddities preserved for no good reason. Here is an example from Eucharistic Prayer I: “For them and all who are dear to them / we offer you this sacrifice of praise / or they offer it for themselves / and all who are dear to them....” Enrico Mazza, in his magisterial work The Eucharistic Prayers of the Roman Rite, explains that this mid-eighth-century addition (“or they offer it for themselves...”) was originally a rubric, providing alternative wordings depending on whether those who requested the Mass were present or absent. The translators of the 1973 translation (and the 1998 version) spared us the useless puzzlement caused by such a text. The translators of the text we are about to receive did not. Why? Each word of the Latin had to be accounted for.... A chalice is put into the hands of Jesus at the Last Supper. Of course chalice is a word never used in modern English except to describe our sacred vessel in the Mass. The holy hands of the priest at Mass, so much a staple of the mystique of ordination, provide the template for how to describe the hands of Jesus. This sort of language is jarringly anachronistic. It compromises Jesus’ historicity in order to exalt the clergy."

---

Related: Lost in Translation: The Bishops, the Vatican & the English Liturgy, by John Wilkins

This is What A Catholic Looks Like by Kate Conmy

http://feminismandreligion.com/2011/07/07/this-is-what-a-catholic-looks-like-by-kate-conmy/

"The sisters and daughters of Mary Daly gave me permission to re-claim my Catholicism with all of my questions as an extraordinary action of faith. Ambivalence means courageously engaging the sacred to foster critique, conversation and innovation in the pursuit of knowing God. Just as Carter Heyward writes, “To love God is to un-do evil,” I so strongly believe that God must manifest as an expression of creative justice whereby inclusivity, “right-relation,” and the elimination of discrimination are central on the path toward a higher liberation. I graduated feeling empowered by women, activists, and radicals who claimed their faith and the responsibility to speak a language beyond the binary in order to celebrate the wisdom of all human and divine goodness. "


Bridget Mary's Reflection

Kate is the new Membership Coordinator of Women's Ordination Conference.
Thanks for the insightful article from the perspective of a young woman!

Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests:Links to 3 Movies and Vision Statement

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEEKn7PAGNs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apn6RnMwYrs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvKwNsViyk4&feature=related

ASSOCIATION OF ROMAN CATHOLIC WOMEN PRIESTS

“A NEW MODEL OF ORDAINED MINISTRY

IN A RENEWED ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

We believe:

1. Women and men are created equal by God and equally represent Christ. We therefore seek justice for women in the church including ordination.

2. Jesus offered an example of inclusiveness and respect of persons that led, in the early Church, to the practice of ordaining the baptized from all states of life as deacons, priests, and bishops;

3. We affirm that no intrinsic connection exists between priesthood and mandatory celibacy;

4. We are called by the Holy Spirit from within our communities to follow Jesus as our model of empowerment and generous service. We support a climate of validation and affirmation, rejecting all forms of domination and control;

5. We recognize the injustices of class, race, sexual orientation, and mental and physical challenges as well as gender. We therefore, affirm the social justice tradition of the church and seek justice for all, especially the economically poor and the marginalized.

6. We are called to live as a community of equals, inclusive and respectful of differences;

7. We are called to transform hierarchical structures into non-hierarchical, community-based structures;

8. We are called to work for structural change and systemic justice with and for the exploited and oppressed throughout the world.

9. We are called to work for an end to sexism and its domination/subordination paradigm and to work for justice for all.

10. We are each called to exercise our responsibility to discern and express our thoughts and to reach consensus. Voting on serious issues using a majority vote would be a last resort in the absence of consensus.

11. We are called to a model of ministerial priesthood that is grounded in our common Baptism, standing in and claiming the prophetic tradition of the Church, and teaching authority based on Scripture and Tradition, and in "reading the signs of the times";

12. We are called to renew theology, liturgy, and pastoral practice to better reflect the spirit and teachings of the Second Vatican Council as expressed in Gaudium et Spes and in contemporary theology including feminist and liberation theology.

We envision the ARCWP initiative as a transitional renewal movement within the Roman Catholic Church whose goal is to achieve full equality for all within a renewed Church.

We envision ARCWP as a communion of individuals and localities whose common purpose is to promote the ordination of women in full Apostolic Succession as a matter of justice and faithfulness to the Gospel.

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests-Vision and Mission -New Video

Deacon Ordination April,2011,
Sarasota, Florida

Historic Latin America Ordination of Martha Soto on right, Bridget Mary Meehan, Judy Lee, Olga Alvarado on left

http://youtu.be/IvKwNsViyk4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvKwNsViyk4&feature=youtu.be

Austrian Priests To Disobey Pope

http://www.news24.com/World/News/Austrian-priests-to-disobey-pope-20110629

"More than 250 Catholic priests in Austria are ready to disobey the pope and allow women to preach, the head of a progressive clergy platform confirmed on Wednesday.Helmut Schueller said the Priests' Initiative he leads has been pushing for admitting women and married men into the clergy for years, without results."

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Kudos to the courageous 250 priests in Austria who are in solidarity with the Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement for justice and equality for women in the church.
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
sofiabmm@aol.com

"Catholic Hierachs Lose Marriage Battle to Catholic Laity" by Jamie L. Manson NCR/ Social Justice Issue

http://ncronline.org/blogs/grace-margins/catholic-hierarchs-lose-marriage-battle-catholic-laity

"One wonders whether Dolan’s depression and DiMarzio’s mania was less a reaction to New York’s eroding moral fabric than it was a realization of the twilight of their once formidable power over New York politics.The bishops refuse to see that these officials were actually honoring the Catholic social justice tradition in their motivation for passing the marriage bill. They approached the issue as a cause for civil rights. From health care proxies and medical benefits to tax laws, same sex couples will now enjoy thousands of rights previously available only to married heterosexuals."

Bridget Mary's Reflection

Catholics get that the gay marriage issue is a human rights and social justice issue. The bishops, once again, don't get it! Archbishop Dolan's spontaneous apology to the gay community is a first step.

Honestly, the hierarchy have caused deep pain and alienation by their sinful label of gays as "defective". The institutional church should change their defective teaching and acknowledge marriage equality as a fundamental human right. Catholics in growing numbers are following their consciences on this issue and in this case, Catholic leaders are demonstrating a more compassionate, just church in action by their support of marriage equality.

By our baptism, we are all equals in Christ. There should be no discrimination based on race, culture, gender, sexual orientation or for any other reason. Jesus embraced all whom he encountered as the beloved of God, so should the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. See Galations 3;28.

Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

"Ohio Catholic Bishops Against Race for the Cure"/ Why Not Cut off Bishops Funding to Stem Pedophile Payouts?

"The Catholic Bishops of Ohio have instructed Church members and organizations not to support the world's largest organisation against breast cancer -- the Susan G. Komen Foundation -- because it is not explicitly opposed to embryonic stem cell research, which the hierarchy condemns. The foundation is famous four its "Race for the Cure" series of 5K fundraising races all over the world. "

"As best we can determine, at present the Komen Foundation does not fund cancer research that employs embryonic stem cells. However, their policy does not exclude that possibility," wrote Bishop Leonard Blair of Toledo in a letter to people his diocese (below). He said the organisation also contributes to Planned Parenthood, which he cited as the "largest provider" of abortions in the United States."

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Oh, my, the Ohio bishops are clueless! More proof that women priests and women bishops are needed urgently in the Catholic Church. The Ohio bishops demonstrate that the RC hierarchy does not understand or heed the voices of and experiences of women. This judgment by the hierarchy is guilt by association.
One could reason that Catholics should stop giving to the institutional church because such gifts could be used to pay off the legal bills for the pedophile crisis!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP

.

"Gay Marriage, Bishops and Crisis Leadership", NCR Article: Let's Embrace Equal Rights for All

http://ncronline.org/news/gay-marriage-bishops-and-crisis-leadership

"The vote approving same-sex marriage in New York is the latest and most glaring confirmation of some gloomy news for the Catholic church in the United States, and it’s not that gays have achieved the right to marry.

Rather, affirmed in the recent vote is the disturbing reality that the Catholic hierarchy has lost most of its credibility with the wider culture on matters of sexuality and personal morality, just as it has lost its authority within the Catholic community on the same issues."

Bridget Mary's Reflection:

I agree completely that the U.S. bishops have lost their credibility and moral authority on this issue and many others too. More and more Catholics are following their consciences on moral and spiritual issues today. No one is defective, each person is a beloved image of God! The glory of God is present in our beings which includes our sexuality and sexual orientation. This is basic theology 101. When will the hierarchy wake up and embrace all God's people as equals and therefore deserving of equal rights in all areas of civic and religious life, including the right to marry?
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP

French Woman Sues Opus Dei, Claims Brainwashing

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.901f10405411aeeb8554b48d4d3a7341.2e1
"She said she was forced to take vows and made to work as a domestic servant for virtually no pay. A French woman claiming to have been brainwashed by the secretive Catholic society Opus Dei is suing it for allegedly keeping her illegally as a domestic servant, she told AFP Tuesday..."

Late Nite Catechism: A Hoot! Sister is Back!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jrh_uuPmd0&feature=player_detailpage

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests Living Justice and Equality Now- Movie/Ave Maria Instrumental

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apn6RnMwYrs
(A Visual Meditation with Ave Maria instrumental music)

MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS, FIRST WOMAN PRIEST, PRAY FOR US AS WE OFFER THE GIFT OF A RENEWED PRIESTLY MINISTRY TO OUR BELOVED CHURCH..

ASSOCIATION OF ROMAN CATHOLIC WOMEN Priests are currently located throughout the United States and in South America. We use equal rites to promote equal rights to achieve justice for women in the Roman Catholic Church that has long denied women the sacrament of holy orders. Our specific charism within the broader RCWP movement is to live Gospel equality and justice for all in the church and in society now. We work in solidarity with the poor and marginalized for transformative justice in partnership with all believers. We view such justice as constitutive of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our vision is to live as a community of equals in decision making as an organization and within all our faith communities. We advocate the renewal of the vision of Jesus in the Gospel in our church and in the world. WWW.ASSOCIATIONOFROMANCATHOLICWOMENPRIESTS.ORG CONTACT- SOFIABMM@AOL.COM

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests Rock Church- New Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEEKn7PAGNs&feature=youtube_gdata

The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests is a part of the international Roman Catholic Women Priests movement within the Roman Catholic Church that began on the Danube River in 2002 with the ordination of seven women. We are currently located throughout the United States and in South America. We prepare and ordain women to serve the people of God in inclusive communities where all are welcome. We use equal rites to promote equal rights to achieve justice and equality for women in the Roman Catholic Church . We work in solidarity with the poor and marginalized for justice in partnership with all believers. Our motto is justice for all, justice for the poor, justice for women, justice for women in the Roman Catholic Church, including ordination. Contact us at Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
contact: Bridget Mary Meehan,ARCWP
sofiabmm@aol.com

Sunday Worship-Rest From Your Burdens and Independence Day- from Pastor Judy Lee, ARCWP

Here are some of the people who remained after our Sunday Worship on July 34,2011. This was a joyous celebration of the body of Christ. Our format is worship, a communal lunch, then fellowship and Sunday School. Many people remained throughout today as we are now on a biweekly summer schedule to permit for the Vacation Bible School and they were eager to get back together. During the homily,there were many "Amen's" and a moving reflection on the text of the day: Come to me all you who labor and are overburdened and I will give you rest." This group of people whose labor has often been expolited know well the need for rest. They also know the need for rest from the burdens of ill health, family problems, economic problems and the problems of discrimination and stereotypes. As burdens were named and given to Jesus one woman said,"Oh yes, I have all those burdens to give him and more". A distinct comfort was the Scriptural concept,lived in this community , of bearing each other's burdens. And, the Zechariah text about the gentle humble leader riding on a donkey and not riding in the Hummer or Lexus of the day was, for them about the Jesus they knew. The children showed their pictures of Jesus riding on a donkey on Palm Sunday and also talked about the gentle donkey and foal they saw at the petting zoo. We prayed for our Nation to be more like Jesus and enact peace and not power and war on its Birthday. This place where Jesus is so real you can reach out and touch the Christ, is a place of great joy.The abundant homecooked meal was brought by Eileen Wickeri a Lamb of God member, who always stays and has fellowship with us. Pearl, a Good Shepherd member who is originally from the West Coast of Africa, then unveiled a beautiful cake decorated with blueberries ,whipped cream and strawberries to portray the American flag. Today our members came from two Carribbean countries, one South American country, Africa,Italy and Lebanon as well a majority of those Americans born African American into a segregated society that lasted until the 1970's here in Florida. While,many here live below the poverty lines and only five in attendance were upper educated, the depth of theological understanding shared in the reflections on the homily and lived every day is profound. How blessed are we to be church together!

Judy Lee, ARCWP

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

"Peace - Flowing Like the Sea", Vacation Bible School, Ft. Myers, Florida /A Reflection by Pastor Judy Lee, ARCWP

On this beautiful afternoon their great discovery was that tiny clams live by the side of the sea.


They marvelled at this show of God's amazing creation and were very careful to let things unfold so they could see the creature's inside without prying them open.



They were gentle and in awe!


How beautiful it is to share the joys of God's miraculous creation with 'city' children!

Fellini's Roma - Catholic Church Fashion Show /Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYzRL9YIswQ

Devotion To Mary, Mother of Jesus, as Priest -Read Documentation from Women Priests Scholarship Cite

Image is on a stole
given to me by Martha Soto
first woman priest
ordained in South America.

"Throughout the centuries the faithful have felt a devotion to Mary as priest."

http://www.womenpriests.org/mrpriest/m_gen.asp

"The devotion to Mary as Priest can be documented in many ways:

1. It consisted in the strong belief that Mary was, indeed, a priest. Tradition indicates four main reasons: Mary belonged to a priestly family, Mary exercised priestly functions, Mary gave us the Eucharist and Mary procures forgiveness of sins.
2. Tradition stressed especially Mary’s role as a sacrificial priest.
   Mary’s role as Sacrificial Priest is seen particularly in her offering Jesus during the Presentation in the Temple and during his crucifixion on Calvary.
3. Devotion to Mary Priest blossomed greatly among ordained ministers.
   Mary was seen to have a special relationship to priests, not least in the celebration of the Eucharist.
4. The devotion to Mary Priest has been present throughout the history of the Church.
   Read the witness of theologians and spiritual writers, with references to extensive quotations.
5. The devotion to Mary Priest was also expressed in religious art. Visit our gallery of images of Mary Priest. "
   

The art work depicting Mary, Mother of Jesus, as priest is stunning.Enjoy!

Thanks to Women Priests Website for its excellent scholarship and for the contribution they have made to our movement by their intellectual presentation from sources in scripture, tradition, and contemporary theologians.

Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

God Is Not Three Guys In The Sky

http://godisnot3guyscom-jeanette.blogspot.com/

Inspired by women ordained

"The Community of Mary Magdalene, First Apostle, based in St. Cloud, MN, supports and plans liturgies with Catholic womenpriests. Kelly Doss, one of our group, witnessed a Womenpriest Ordination for the first time on June 26 and wrote this: As the procession began, I remember my eyes welling up with tears. I thought, “I cannot believe I get to be part of this! This is really happening before my eyes—a woman being ordained...” (written by Kelly)

"Hipocrisy" by John Chuchman/Translation of Lord's Prayer in Aramaic/ "O Birther, Mother/ Father of the Cosmos"

Hypocrisy

Jesus does not say,

Our Father . . . Who art in heaven . . .

Jesus says,

Abwoon dibashmaya

(Aramaic)

O Birther,

Mother/Father

of the Cosmos . . .

Jesus knows that

The Divine,

The Creator,

The Source of Life,

The Sustainer of the Universe

is NOT Male only,

but rather the Fullness

of both Masculine and Feminine Essences.

Jesus knows that

God is BOTH Mother and Father,

a loving, birthing energy

who is constantly

a mothering and fathering source of life

for us all.

All of the masculine names for God

and all the corresponding masculine pronouns

that fill the Bible

are only there because

the translators of the Roman Catholic Church

choose to make God masculine.

This is their basis for establishing

a male-dominated church

that leaves women out in the cold

when it comes to church authority.

They define God

in a way that serves their control.

No other organization on the planet

is more hypocritical towards women,

exalting Mary on one hand,

while keeping priests celibate from women

(at least publically)

and powerless in the church on the other hand.

Honoring Mary is important, but

Honoring Women as Equals is Divine.

To ban women from ordination and positions of leadership,

denying them a meaningful voice in the Church

is diabolical.

This is the worst kind of Hypocrisy.

Is pedophilia more honorable

than sexual relations with women?

I have learned more about relationships,

more about presence,

more about compassion and empathy

from the women I have known

than from any man.

To claim,

directly or indirectly through language,

that the Divine Creator

is solely masculine

is damnable.

Making God strictly male

makes males gods.

Jesus knows that when He says,

Abwoon . . .

Love, John Chuchman

Bridget Mary's Reflection

God is not male and to use only male language in official worship implies that God is male which is idolatry. God is beyond all names and images and certainly can be named and imaged with feminine metaphors as well as male metaphors.The real issue is honoring women as equal images of the divine in everything and that means women can and should preside at Eucharist. Excellent work, John!

Thanks for this powerful reflection.

Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org