http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/stifled-by-weight-of-romes-pomp-power-and-stubborn-patriarchy-2835994.html
Stifled by weight of Rome's pomp, power and stubborn patriarchy
The Irish Church seems to be mobilising itself for a schismatic war, writes Carol Hunt
Sunday July 31 2011
WHAT with the Taoiseach being compared to Hitler, the Vatican throwing a hissy fit and the rest of the world enthralled at little Catholic Ireland standing up to the big boys in Rome, perhaps it's time we asked: "What would St Patrick do?"
Not the snake-slaying, shamrock-waving bishop of later invention, but the Patrick of humanity and pragmatism, with all his foibles, failings, loss of faith, love of women and bloody awful Latin.
Because, since the Taoiseach fired the first official salvo against Rome, the Irish Church seems to have been mobilising itself for a schismatic war. As Catholic commentator David Quinn noted: "It is as though we are now being asked to choose between the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland, and the Irish Catholic Church. Catholics in the past have had to make a similar choice. How will we choose?"
"Bishop Willie Walsh, Fr Enda McDonagh, and the Jesuit theologian Fr Gerry O'Hanlon, among others, have advocated the idea of an Irish synod involving clergy and laity -- and, God bless us, women too -- to map out the future of the church. As O'Hanlon has noted: "It will not do any more for priests, bishops, cardinals, the Pope to simply tell us what to think, what to do. People rightly want a say." Is this heresy, or just a return to the church of our ancestors? ..."
..."What would the humble, nomadic Patrick we know from his Confession do? Would he support the Church of Rome in its attempts to retain control of its empire? Or would he advocate a return to the simple, spiritual yet pragmatic practices of the early Irish Church?
What do you think?
Bridget Mary's Reflection
Once again, the Catholics of Ireland are outraged and leading the way to reform and renewal of our church. The Synod of the Laity is a hopeful sign especially if it addresses the issue of women priests. The German theologians and Austrian Priests are also open to women priests! Now it is time for the Vatican to get on board!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
Living Gospel Inclusivity and Empowerment Now- https://bridgetmarys.blogspot.com/2025/10/rev-dr-bridget-mary-meehan-arcwp-chat.html
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Article on Catholic Guilt For Contemporary Catholics /NCR/1966 Class Reunion/Bishop Denis J. O'Connell
45th Reunion/Class of 1966
Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School
http://ncronline.org/blogs/bulletins-human-side/guilt-shortage-dooms-reform-reform
"Guilt shortage dooms reform of the reform"
by Eugene Cullen Kennedy on Aug. 04, 2011
..."Catholics cut down on confession not because they abandoned the idea of sin but because they discovered the meaning of sin and realized that it was much different in many of its social dimensions than the personal foibles they had been trained to feel guilty about in the pre-Vatican II Church.
The Reform of the Reform is therefore doomed because it can no longer make healthy people feel unhealthy and unnecessary guilt about being human. That is why, when once asked why he convened Vatican II, Pope John XXIII replied not with a discourse on the sinful world but with perhaps the most Catholic sentence spoken by any pontiff in the 20th century: "To make the human sojourn on earth less sad."
[Eugene Cullen Kennedy is emeritus professor of psychology at Loyola University, Chicago.
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
I attended my 45th high school reunion this evening for the class of 1966 at Bishop Denis J. O' Connell in Arlington, VA. One of my classmates did an informal survey of our class and found two practicing Catholics. Several women reported that they had longed for women priests and applauded the courage of our Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement leading the way to equality in our church. Both women and men affirm a more open, inclusive church! I am sure that the classmates that I met this evening would love this article on Catholic guilt by Eugene Kennedy.
Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP, sofiabmm@aol.com
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Voice of the Faithful Supports Dialogue on Optional Celibacy in Response to Priests Shortage
Voice of the Faithful is supporting an Open Letter to U.S. bishops about beginning a dialogue surrounding optional celibacy that could help alleviate the impending crisis in the number of our priests. Several priest organizations and national church renewal/reform groups also are joining this effort.
Studies show that half of the 19,302 active diocesan priests plan to retire by 2019. We are ordaining about 380 new diocesan priests each year. If the rate of ordinations remains constant, as it has for more than a decade, we will have only 13,500 active diocesan priests to serve our 18,000 parishes in just eight years.
To sign the Open Letter online, or to download paper copies to circulate among family and friends, or to download a free organizing kit, click here. Only your name and diocese will be included in the online listing if you wish, or you may remain anonymous.
The Open Letter will be published in one or several national Catholic publications in 2011 and 2012. Every effort will be made to contact individual U.S. bishops and officials at the U.S. Bishops Conference.
If you wish to read about VOTF's position on optional celibacy, click here, and then click on the Optional Celibacy link, which will be in the list of links to reports and presentations that were made during VOTF's National Meeting in Detroit last month.
We hope you will join us in supporting this important effort.
Sincerely yours,
Donna Doucette, Executive Director
Studies show that half of the 19,302 active diocesan priests plan to retire by 2019. We are ordaining about 380 new diocesan priests each year. If the rate of ordinations remains constant, as it has for more than a decade, we will have only 13,500 active diocesan priests to serve our 18,000 parishes in just eight years.
To sign the Open Letter online, or to download paper copies to circulate among family and friends, or to download a free organizing kit, click here. Only your name and diocese will be included in the online listing if you wish, or you may remain anonymous.
The Open Letter will be published in one or several national Catholic publications in 2011 and 2012. Every effort will be made to contact individual U.S. bishops and officials at the U.S. Bishops Conference.
If you wish to read about VOTF's position on optional celibacy, click here, and then click on the Optional Celibacy link, which will be in the list of links to reports and presentations that were made during VOTF's National Meeting in Detroit last month.
We hope you will join us in supporting this important effort.
Sincerely yours,
Donna Doucette, Executive Director
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Catholic Group Based in Chicago Leads Protest Against Church/ New York Times
Historic Ordination of women priests in Sarasota, Florida
"...In the case of Father Bourgeois, the priest who is calling for the ordination of women, Call to Action has sponsored his 34-city speaking tour, called “Shattering The Stained Glass Ceiling,” which will conclude in September in downstate Belleville.
The Vatican maintains that even discussion of ordaining women is a violation of Catholic teaching. The authorities of the Maryknoll Order, based in New York, sent a letter to Father Bourgeois in March demanding that he recant his public statements or be dismissed from its ranks.
The petition drive sponsored by Call to Action defends the priest’s “right to speak his conscience.” The list was restricted to “priests in good standing,” said Bob Heineman, one of the group’s leaders, so that church authorities could not dismiss the protesters as “renegades.” The Chicago group contends that surveys show that more rank-and-file Catholics side with Father Bourgeois on church policies than with the Vatican. “What it all boils down to is who is the church?” Mr. Heineman said. “The hierarchy? Or the people?”
The Vatican maintains that even discussion of ordaining women is a violation of Catholic teaching. The authorities of the Maryknoll Order, based in New York, sent a letter to Father Bourgeois in March demanding that he recant his public statements or be dismissed from its ranks.
The petition drive sponsored by Call to Action defends the priest’s “right to speak his conscience.” The list was restricted to “priests in good standing,” said Bob Heineman, one of the group’s leaders, so that church authorities could not dismiss the protesters as “renegades.” The Chicago group contends that surveys show that more rank-and-file Catholics side with Father Bourgeois on church policies than with the Vatican. “What it all boils down to is who is the church?” Mr. Heineman said. “The hierarchy? Or the people?”
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Roman Catholic Women Priests and the communities we serve are shattering the glass ceiling now. Fr. Roy Bourgeois, who attended Janice Sevre-Duszynska's ordination in Lexington, Kentucky three years ago has had a major impact on both people and priests across the country as he shared his story of support for women's ordination. For Fr. Roy, it is simple and tragic. Sexism, like racism,is always a sin.
Now the big news in 2011 is that more male priests in the U.S. and Austria are going public with their support. So are theologians, bishops in Australia and Switzerland and even a cardinal from Portugal. The holy shakeup has begun and the Vatican is powerless to stop it! Catholics are ready for women priests now! We are getting calls from enthusiastic Catholics who are looking for female priest led liturgies. A new day has dawned for equality for women in the church!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
"Attending a Magdala Celebration with A Woman Priest Presiding-Rev. Dr. Judy Lee, ARCWP" by Gladys Verplanke
July 24, 2011 A very warm day in Ft. Myers Florida- not the weather but
the feeling of community at Rev. Judy Lee’s Church: the Good Shepherd Inclusive Catholic Community.Such a nice time and place to celebrate Mary of Magdala’s feast day. She leads a unique mission for the homeless yet I also met University Professors, a group of young people who had attended the Bible Study Camp and every day neighbors who make up her congregation. About 45 people were present in the small building where all are welcome.
In honor of the celebration for Mary of Magdala, Pastor Judy had the children
tell the story of love, honor, and devotion to Jesus that made Mary of Magdala the favorite and most loyal of the Apostles. Jesus loved her. She understood what he was telling the world. She was loyal and was the Apostle who stayed by Jesus as he endured the crucifixion and his death.
She was the first one at the tomb and found it empty. She was the first one
that Jesus appeared to and told her to go tell the rest that he was resurrected. The rest were in hiding in fear. Her courage was noted. The young people also told about Miriam, Mary of Bethany, and Lois and Eunice as the people replied: "We didn't know" their stories. Pastor Judy's 17 year old teaching associate, Efe Cudjoe, then led the congregation in a ritual of being called by name.
I attended the celebration as member of CTA of Southwest Florida and it was wonderful to see the young children understand what Mary of Magdala
and other women in the Scriptures were about.
There was no doubt that the Holy Spirit was present. Rev Judy Lee and
Judy Beaumont are doing such good work with people who are over looked
by the Bishop of Venice. I feel the Holy Spirit is with them and not the
Bishop who turns his back on our female priest and this mission.
Respectfully submitted by:
Gladys Verplanke CTA Member
the feeling of community at Rev. Judy Lee’s Church: the Good Shepherd Inclusive Catholic Community.Such a nice time and place to celebrate Mary of Magdala’s feast day. She leads a unique mission for the homeless yet I also met University Professors, a group of young people who had attended the Bible Study Camp and every day neighbors who make up her congregation. About 45 people were present in the small building where all are welcome.
In honor of the celebration for Mary of Magdala, Pastor Judy had the children
tell the story of love, honor, and devotion to Jesus that made Mary of Magdala the favorite and most loyal of the Apostles. Jesus loved her. She understood what he was telling the world. She was loyal and was the Apostle who stayed by Jesus as he endured the crucifixion and his death.
She was the first one at the tomb and found it empty. She was the first one
that Jesus appeared to and told her to go tell the rest that he was resurrected. The rest were in hiding in fear. Her courage was noted. The young people also told about Miriam, Mary of Bethany, and Lois and Eunice as the people replied: "We didn't know" their stories. Pastor Judy's 17 year old teaching associate, Efe Cudjoe, then led the congregation in a ritual of being called by name.
I attended the celebration as member of CTA of Southwest Florida and it was wonderful to see the young children understand what Mary of Magdala
and other women in the Scriptures were about.
There was no doubt that the Holy Spirit was present. Rev Judy Lee and
Judy Beaumont are doing such good work with people who are over looked
by the Bishop of Venice. I feel the Holy Spirit is with them and not the
Bishop who turns his back on our female priest and this mission.
Respectfully submitted by:
Gladys Verplanke CTA Member
Debt Ceiling Debacle Proves Lawmakers Have No Shame: Cuts For Poor and Elderly Middle Class Not Billionaires/ Faithful America Stand Up For Justice
by Tom Fox/ National Catholic Reporter
http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today
..."However you cut it, there is something quite disturbing -- and immoral -- about a debt reduction package that calls for cuts in critical services to the poor while at the same time calling for no sacrifice from the wealthiest elite in our nation. This, of course, is one more sign, if any more were needed, of a well-heeled and finely purchased Congress by the super rich among us. It’s quite sad and should be upsetting to all who support democracy around the world.
Those in Congress who justify this disproportionate solution to our nation’s financial predicament under the banner of “no tax hikes” should be ashamed of themselves. However, don’t expect any self examination of conscience soon. These folks swim in waters of sweet justification and self-satisfaction never inconvenienced by information or reason. Simple self-justifying ideology, fanned by those who most benefit from it, the super rich, propels them either mindlessly or blind to conscience.After all, they apparently continue to look into the faces of their children without embarrassment.
Keep in mind the very modest tax increase that was initially on the table, the long needed elimination of a tax break to the top one percent of the nation’s already very well-off asset gatherers, was forced off by political reality before serious negotiations began to take place.
Elementary, if not superficial fairness, would have required half the savings come from tax increases and half from spending cuts. But no, the starting point was to cut spending on programs that have modestly enabled the poorest among us to find food and shelter for their families during recent years as the gulf between
rich and poor has expanded at an alarming rate. "
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
"Whatsoever you do to the least of my sisters and brothers, that you do to me" Matthew 25
Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people. (Isaiah 10: 1-2)
As people of faith, we should come together to create a lobby that will shift the dynamics in Congress that favor billionaires. As people of faith we should demand justice for the poor and oppressed as a core social justice value that the majority of people of faith share.
People of faith, it is our duty to hold lawmakers accountable for the debt ceiling debacle. The unfairness of these draconian cuts will hit the poor and the elderly by gutting their safety nets, while the billionaires won't won't even have a modest tax increase! Something is really unjust and ungodly here and we need to work together to change it! Let us create a new movement of the Spirit that cuts across party lines, religions, and unites people everywhere to work together for justice and compassion for all including the most vulnerable among us. Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP, Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests, 703-505-0003, sofiabmm@aol.com
http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today
..."However you cut it, there is something quite disturbing -- and immoral -- about a debt reduction package that calls for cuts in critical services to the poor while at the same time calling for no sacrifice from the wealthiest elite in our nation. This, of course, is one more sign, if any more were needed, of a well-heeled and finely purchased Congress by the super rich among us. It’s quite sad and should be upsetting to all who support democracy around the world.
Those in Congress who justify this disproportionate solution to our nation’s financial predicament under the banner of “no tax hikes” should be ashamed of themselves. However, don’t expect any self examination of conscience soon. These folks swim in waters of sweet justification and self-satisfaction never inconvenienced by information or reason. Simple self-justifying ideology, fanned by those who most benefit from it, the super rich, propels them either mindlessly or blind to conscience.After all, they apparently continue to look into the faces of their children without embarrassment.
Keep in mind the very modest tax increase that was initially on the table, the long needed elimination of a tax break to the top one percent of the nation’s already very well-off asset gatherers, was forced off by political reality before serious negotiations began to take place.
Elementary, if not superficial fairness, would have required half the savings come from tax increases and half from spending cuts. But no, the starting point was to cut spending on programs that have modestly enabled the poorest among us to find food and shelter for their families during recent years as the gulf between
rich and poor has expanded at an alarming rate. "
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
"Whatsoever you do to the least of my sisters and brothers, that you do to me" Matthew 25
Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people. (Isaiah 10: 1-2)
As people of faith, we should come together to create a lobby that will shift the dynamics in Congress that favor billionaires. As people of faith we should demand justice for the poor and oppressed as a core social justice value that the majority of people of faith share.
People of faith, it is our duty to hold lawmakers accountable for the debt ceiling debacle. The unfairness of these draconian cuts will hit the poor and the elderly by gutting their safety nets, while the billionaires won't won't even have a modest tax increase! Something is really unjust and ungodly here and we need to work together to change it! Let us create a new movement of the Spirit that cuts across party lines, religions, and unites people everywhere to work together for justice and compassion for all including the most vulnerable among us. Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP, Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests, 703-505-0003, sofiabmm@aol.com
Monday, August 1, 2011
"LCWR Begins Reexamination of Religious Life"/ Time for Nuns to Be Priests Publically
http://ncronline.org/
by Monica Clark
"Religious life for the majority of U.S. sisters is at a crossroads. An aging membership and a decline in new vocations have communities probing what to do next to sustain their ministries and their way of life. These women sense a new era is emerging and they have decided to embark together on a new way of discerning that future.
When more than 600 sisters gather in Southern California Aug. 9-12 for the annual assembly of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, they will set aside discussions on strategic planning and talks about mergers and consolidations. ..Instead, these leaders of the 334 congregations in the Leadership Conference will sit together in silence, discovering what God is calling forth for religious life today. They will have no expectation of a particular insight or result. Rather, they will spend time in collective contemplation to explore where religious life in the United States may be moving."
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
"Time for Nuns to be Priests Publically"
May Spirit Sophia lead and guide you into your future!
It is time for nuns to be priests publically. You have been doing it for decades!
The full equality of women is the voice of God speaking in our time.
Sisters, we are ready for you !The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests invite you to walk on water with us!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/
sofiabmm@aol.com
by Monica Clark
"Religious life for the majority of U.S. sisters is at a crossroads. An aging membership and a decline in new vocations have communities probing what to do next to sustain their ministries and their way of life. These women sense a new era is emerging and they have decided to embark together on a new way of discerning that future.
When more than 600 sisters gather in Southern California Aug. 9-12 for the annual assembly of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, they will set aside discussions on strategic planning and talks about mergers and consolidations. ..Instead, these leaders of the 334 congregations in the Leadership Conference will sit together in silence, discovering what God is calling forth for religious life today. They will have no expectation of a particular insight or result. Rather, they will spend time in collective contemplation to explore where religious life in the United States may be moving."
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
"Time for Nuns to be Priests Publically"
May Spirit Sophia lead and guide you into your future!
It is time for nuns to be priests publically. You have been doing it for decades!
The full equality of women is the voice of God speaking in our time.
Sisters, we are ready for you !The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests invite you to walk on water with us!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/
sofiabmm@aol.com
Sunday, July 31, 2011
July 31, 2011 - Fifth Anniversary of Historic U.S. Ordination of 12 Women by Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement in Pittsburgh, PA
left to right:Bishops Ida Raming,
Patricia Fresen,Gisela Forster
preside at Pittsburgh ordination liturgy
(left to right)
Bishops Paricia Fresen, Ida Raming and Gisela Forster
ordained women priests in Pittsburgh, PA. on July 31, 2006
in Pittsburgh, PA.
Let us rejoice on the fifth anniversary of the historic ordination of 12 women, 8 priests, 4 deacons in Pittsburgh, PA. on July 31, 2006. God has done great things for us, we rejoice, indeed!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
Friday, July 29, 2011
"Holy Shakeup: Catholic Clergy and Hierarchy Join Catholics Who Support Women Priests/on CNN-I-Report/Google has picked up
“Holy Shakeup: Catholic Clergy and Hierarchy Join Catholics ..."Nothing can stop the movement of the spirit toward human rights, justice and equality in our world and in our church" said Bridget Mary Meehan, ...ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-642949
Thursday, July 28, 2011
“Holy Shakeup: Catholic Clergy and Hierarchy Join Catholics Worldwide in Support of Women Priests”
The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests rejoice in a “holy shakeup” that millions of Catholics worldwide welcome. The good news now is that male priests, bishops, a cardinal as well as theologians have expressed their support of female priests. They are following in the footsteps of Maryknoll Roy Bourgeois whose prophetic call for a dialogue on women priests is being heard in more and more places today in our church.
A new documentary, Pink Smoke Over the Vatican , shares the stories of some of these women who have found a way to serve God’s people as women priests including Janice Sevre-Duszynska who was ordained in Lexington, Kentucky in 2008. Fr. Roy Bourgeois attended, delivered the homily and participated in the ordination rite. This resulted in his excommunication and Vatican attempts to pressure Maryknoll to dismiss him from the Order.
"Nothing can stop the movement of the spirit toward human rights, justice and equality in our world and in our church" said Bridget Mary Meehan, "the full equality of women is the voice of
God in our time."
Here is a list of top church leaders who have joined the wave of enthusiasm for female priests:
---Cardinal Jose da Cruz Policarpo of Lisbon, Portugal has said there's "no fundamental theological obstacle" to the ordination of women as priests in the Catholic Church. http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=26981
---300 Austrian priests issued a "Call to Disobedience" to promote priesthood for women and married men. The Austrian priests and deacons read aloud a public prayer for "church reform" in every Mass. http://www.ncronline.org/news/global/300-austrian-clerics-call-women-priests
---Over 250 German speaking theologians called for end to mandatory celibacy and for women's ordination in the Roman Catholic Church.. http://thegreatone22.wordpress.com/2011/05/25/
---Over 175 Catholic priests have signed on to a letter in support of Maryknoll priest, Fr. Roy Bourgeois, who has been told to recant his support for women's ordination or be removed from the priesthood. The letter that affirms primacy of conscience was delivered, Friday, July 22nd, to Fr. Edward Dougherty, Superior General of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers in Maryknoll, NY.http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/23/world/23priest.html?pagewanted=all
---Bishop Markus Buchel, bishop of the diocese of St. Gall in Switzerland spoke out openly for women's ordination on Easter Sunday/2011 in an explosive statement in the St. Galler Pfarreiblatt [St. Gall Parish Paper]. He said:: "We must search for steps that lead there," "I could imagine that women's diaconate could be such a step."Regarding priesthood for women, Büchel said, "We can pray that the Holy Spirit enables us to read the signs of the times." http://www.praytellblog.com/index.php/2011/04/24/swiss-catholic-bishop-speaks-out-for-womens-ordination/
Source: http://www.sonntagonline.ch/ressort/aktuell/1590/
--- Bishop William Morris, from Australia, was forced to resign by the Vatican for wanting to discuss married priests and women priests as a possible response to the shortage of priests. The National Council of Priests of Australia released a statement in support of Bishop Morris. http://www.catholicnetwork.us/calls-for-reform/priests-support-bishop-sacked-by-vatican/
----A male priest co-celebrated the ordination liturgy of Marta Soto, the first woman priest ordained in Latin America. http://bridgetmarys.blogspot.com/2011/03/making-history-again-first-woman.html
--- Women priests continue to grow. The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests will ordain 3 women in the first ordinations in Virginia on Sept. 10, 2011. .
-- The Vatican is in free fall. On July 20, 2011, Prime Minister of Ireland, Enda Kenny accused the Vatican of covering up child- sexual abuse allegations against clergy and of "downplaying" the "rape and torture of children" to uphold its reputation and referred to the "dysfunction, disconnection and elitism, the narcissism that dominates the culture of the Vatican to this day.” http://www.catholicnetwork.us/calls-for-reform/priests-support-bishop-sacked-by-vatican/
Women priests are a holy shakeup that offer a renewed priestly ministry of living the Gospel of justice for all and justice for women in the church! Now our brothers in the Catholic clergy and hierarchy are joining us as companions on the journey.
The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests is in the United States and Latin America.
Visit our website: http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/
Visit Bridget Mary’s Blog for pictures and for news of the women priests movement. http://bridgetmarys.blogspot.com/
Contact emails:
Janice Sevre-Duszynska
859-684-4247
Bridget Mary Meehan-
703-505-0004
Judy Lee
239,454-7426
People of Faith: Challenge Washington to Spare Medicare and Medicaid/Let's Act Now for Faithful Reform
Faith leaders challenge Washington to spare Medicare, Medicaid
http://www.peoplemovers.com/news/faith-leaders-challenge-washington-to-spare-medicare-medicaid-1569
The Interfaith Health & Hope Coalition, a local advocate for community health and an active supporter of Faithful Reform, has endorsed Rev. Walling's call to action. Faithful Reform has asserted a "moral obligation" for all faith organizations to get behind the effort to preserve Medicare and Medicaid funding. Faithful Reform recommends that health advocates voice concern by calling a toll-free number 1-888-797-8717. The toll-free number will connect to the Capitol switchboard. At that point callers need to ask for their senators or representative by name. Three calls are needed to reach all three persons. There is not an automatic roll-over to additional offices.
Key points articulated in Faithful Reform's Statement of Principles:
Medicaid provides essential comprehensive health coverage for people with low incomes, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Medicare is the primary source of health insurance for senior citizens.
All people deserve equal access to quality, affordable, inclusive, and accountable health care.
The social safety net and its key components, including health care, must be maintained to reflect our shared commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
Concern for the most vulnerable in our community, particularly low-income women, men and children and people with disabilities, is at the heart of our sacred texts and an affirmation of our common humanity.
Caring for our elders and treating them with dignity demonstrates the value we place on our enduring responsibility to enable all persons to live out the fullness of their days.
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
This is a huge social justice issue. Compassion care for the poor and the elderly are the heart of our faith traditions. We must act know to do all we can to help.
It is sad to see politicans push "granny under the train" to save tax hikes for wealthy individuals and corporations who, in some cases, pay nothing in taxes. The heavens cry out for justice for all especially for the poor and vulnerable among us! Yes, we need to raise the debt ceiling, raise taxes on the super rich, and make sensible cuts, not gut Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Cutting out excessive spending on wars and weapons is important as well as ending congress's own pork barrell projects. Let's start there. How about a salary trim and a decrease in benefits for congress representatives?
It is time for Americans to take action and let our elected leaders know they are here to serve all the people, not only special interest groups that donate generously to their campaigns. Who will speak out if we don't? As people of faith, let us make our voices heard as the prophets of old did!
Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
Hundreds of Priests Support Ordination of Women/ Ms. Magazine Story
Roy Borgeois holds cup, Janice holds bread at ordination in Lexington, KY.
2008.
http://www.msmagazine.com/news/uswirestory.asp?ID=13140
Hundreds of Roman Catholic priests from all over the world are challenging the Vatican to rethink all-male celibate priesthood and ordain women priests. In the United States, 157 Roman Catholic priests signed a statement in support Roy Bourgeois, a member of the Maryknoll religious order and priest who faces dismissal for taking part in a ceremony that purported to ordain Janice Sevre-Duszynskaas. ... Sevre-Duszynska, now a member of the Roman Catholic Women Priests, began her journey to priesthood in 1998. She gained media attention over the years for "disrupting" services and conferences calling for ordination of women priests. In 2008, Bourgeois delivered the homily ordaining her a "womanpriest." ...In June, 300 Austrian priests and deacons issued a "Call to Disobedience" to promote priesthood for both married men and women. The Austrian priests and deacons read aloud a public prayer for "church reform" in every Mass. "
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Three years ago, Maryknoll priest Roy Bourgeois crossed the line by participating at Janice Sevre-Duszynska's ordination in Lexington Kentucky. Now his fellow priests are coming on board in a growing wave of enthusiasm for women priests in the Catholic Church. Bridget Mary Meehan, Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The Breakup: Why Ireland Is No Longer Vatican's Loyal Follower/ TIME Magazine Article
"Kenny drew a line in the sand in regards to Ireland's traditional status as a loyal Catholic state: "This is the Republic of Ireland 2011. A republic of laws, of rights and responsibilities; of proper civic order; where the delinquency and arrogance of a particular version, of a particular kind of "morality," will no longer be tolerated or ignored."...
... "The Vatican will have been taken aback by Ireland's defiance after centuries of being politically deferential towards the Church," says theologian Gina Menzies. "The idea that Ireland is a republic beholden to no faith is a departure for a country in which introducing contraception and divorce were difficult," she says.
(See why Ireland is running out of priests.)
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2085306,00.html#ixzz1TJaIUjO1
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
NPR: "On Point", July 27, 2011/ 11 AM EDT/ Enjoy a lively debate with Fr. Roy, Eileen Di Franco and Pia di Solenni on women priests
First USA ordination of Roman Catholic Women Priests
Pittsburgh, July 31, 2006.
http://onpoint.wbur.org/2011/07/27/female-priests
Listen to interview
Eileen Di Franco, RCWP, she was ordained as a priest in 2006 and has a Masters in Divinity.
Rev. Roy Bourgeois, a priest for 39 years with the Maryknoll Order.
Pia de Solenni, a commentator and a consultant to the Catholic Church
You can go to site and call in, add comments, etc.
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
sofiabmm@aol.com
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/
"Women Called to the Priesthood"/Cindy Yoshitomi/Ventura County Star
By Jean Cowden Moore , Joseph A. Garcia
"Cindy Yoshitomi is part of the Roman Catholic Womenpriests movement" ...
"We're Roman Catholics, and it's our church," said Cindy Yoshitomi, 63, of Port Hueneme. "You can't get around that. We're starting this grass-roots movement. ... We're creating a space where these disillusioned Catholics can find community."Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jul/25/women-called-to-the-priesthood/#ixzz1TGdM2thA - vcstar.com
"Cindy Yoshitomi is part of the Roman Catholic Womenpriests movement" ...
"We're Roman Catholics, and it's our church," said Cindy Yoshitomi, 63, of Port Hueneme. "You can't get around that. We're starting this grass-roots movement. ... We're creating a space where these disillusioned Catholics can find community."Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jul/25/women-called-to-the-priesthood/#ixzz1TGdM2thA - vcstar.com
"Following God's Calling, Not Man's: Growing Movement Ordains Women as Catholic Priests"- by Chris Charlson/ City Beat/Cincinnati
Roman Catholic Woman Priest, Janice Sevre -Duszynska and Maryknoll priest Roy Bourgeois demonstrate for justice at a School of the Americas Watch Vigil in Ft. Benning, Georgia each year.
Read entire article by Chris Charlson at link to City Beat :
http://www.citybeat.com/cincinnati/article-23795-following-gods-calling-not-mans.html
"Historically, a number of brave women have established themselves as a catalyst for change, dedicating their lives to a cause that becomes so compelling that they’re willing to risk everything they know to achieve their goal.
One such woman is Lexington resident and peace activist Janice Sevre-Duszynska. As a member of the Roman Catholic Women Priests, she and others like her relentlessly challenge the church’s dogma including their right to be ordained as priests. Her story and those of many other determined women have been featured in Pink Smoke Over the Vatican, a documentary that played at the Esquire Theatre earlier this month..."
"In 2008, Sevre-Duszynska was ordained a “womanpriest” by the order at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Lexington. With more than 150 people in attendance, she celebrated the joyous event with family, friends, fellow peace activists and supporters of the women’s ordination movement including three male priests in good standing.The Rev. Roy Bourgeois delivered the homily, an act that would have lasting repercussions. After sending invitations to a number of male priests, Bourgeois called to tell her he would be proud to attend and deliver the homily."“I said, 'I know you know what you’re doing — but do you know what you’re doing?' ” she says...
"To date, the Roman Catholic Women Priests movement boasts 120 female priests with branches in in Eastern and Western Europe, Eastern and Western Canada and the United States, says womanpriest Bridget Mary Meehan. In addition, Meehan says she recently ordained the first woman in South America expanding the order to yet another continent. She explains the grassroots movement continues to play by church rules, a measure necessary to gain credibility.
She says of the seven womenpriests originally ordained on the Danube in 2002, two were later ordained secretly by a male bishop in good standing. As part of apostolic succession in the Catholic religion, the church only recognizes priests ordained by chosen bishops in good standing; an act that was completed under the veil of secrecy, but carried out nonetheless, Meehan says. ...The movement includes more reforms than simply ordaining women, Meehan adds. The grassroots movement looks to reinvent the church into a more egalitarian, circular model where all members participate and feel empowered. "
"....With all the adversity these women face in the Catholic Church, the question arises why don’t women like Meehan and Sevre-Duszynska simply embrace another faith that ordains women as church leaders — why fight the fight?"
... (Duszynska) She says while reform needs to occur within the church, she can’t help but love the institution based on the gospels and filled with patron saints that has always been a part of her life. “Why should I leave the richness and all of my experiences in the church that I worked to and was called upon to speak out and challenge it?” she asks. “I feel like a daughter of the church, why would I want to leave it?”
Contact Janice Sevre-Duszynska, ARCWP
at rhythmsofthedance@msn.com
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
sofiabmm@aol.com
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
Federation of Christian Ministries Assembly 2011/ Ministering in One Biosphere/ Highlights and Photos
Dramatic Portrayal of Harriet Tubman
by IIene Evans at closing brunch
Peter Brennan, bishop, Married Priests Now,
Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP,
Mariellen Mayers, RCWP, Andrea Johnson, RCWP
Bill Manseau (newly ordained bishop/Married Priests Now,
Bridget Mary Meehan)
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP, Gerry Grudzen,
President of Global Ministries University and
Andrea Johnson, RCWP
Ministering in One Biosphere addressed ministering with empathy and with a compassionate heart as well as with wisdom ---contributing to the well-being of others in all areas of life. Ministry challenges us to live our full potential, connected with all beings in our earth. We are all one embraced in the circle of life in the Holy One.
On Saturday afternoon, Dr. Margaret Flowers presented an inspiring lecture on universal right of healtcare. She represents 18,000 physicians committed to a National Health Program. Even though she is challenging a system that is in need of major reform and currently broken, her presentation gave me hope for the future- if we can build a consensus around a single payer sytem like Medicare, rather than a profit-driven health industry. Dr. Margaret Flowers is a breath of hope for the future of health care in our country.
Our liturgy was woven into the entire day. Andrea Johnson and I collaborated with the conference organizers, Ginny and Bob Graf in designing a liturgy that reach a climax with our concluding banquet on Sat. evening. At the closing of our meal, we prayed together and shared the sacred bread and wine with the women and men at our tables in remembrance of the Risen Christ in our midst.
On Sunday morning, I enjoyed Dr. James Lochner's presentation on "living in a changing climate". We were given practical things to do to reuse, recycle, and renew our earth's resources, rather than to continue to abuse them. In spite of greenhouse gases, catastrophic storms, etc there are possibilities for improvement if we act together as a society.
LLene Evans gave a stunning portrayal of Harriet Tubman at the closing brunch that I will never forget. She received a standing ovation!
The Federation of Christian Ministries is a professional, interfaith ministry organizations that endorses ministers to serve the people of God. It was a honor to serve as president of this visionary, inclusive organization for four years. For over fifteen years, I have been a proud member of FCM and recommend it highly to anyone who wants to belong to a Christ- inspired organization that is open to people of all spiritual persuasions. They offer commissioning to those who are called to ministry, and provide professional membership and status to all who wish to minister. For women in the Catholic Church FCM certifies for professional ministry including wedding officiant. The RC church will not endorse the non-ordained to officiate at weddings unless it is an exceptional situation. Women Priests are joining FCM in record numbers for the professional networking opportunities it offers. As a commissioning agency FCM offers specialized ministry endorsment for chaplains in instiutional settings.
As members of an inclusive ecumencial community of support to women and men ministers of all denonminations and faiths, they are blessed companions on the journey whom I recommend to all.
The mission of FCM is:
"Called by God’s Spirit and grounded in personal spiritual practice, the Federation of Christian Ministries responds by worshiping God and supporting the growth in faith and ministry of its individual and collective members.Our Christ-inspired organization does this by welcoming people of all spiritual persuasions.We offer empowerment and certification to those who have discerned a call to ministry.FCM offers the following benefits to its members: education, certification, professional endorsement for specialized ministries, yearly assemblies, free listing of ministries on the FCM website, prayer support, regional networking, and a bi-monthly newsletter Diaspora.FCM members are available for the following ministry services: worship communities, officiating at weddings, ministering at baptisms and funerals, pastoral care, spiritual direction, healing, retreats, and interfaith dialogue."
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
Monday, July 25, 2011
Why Are You Going Against the Catholic Church? The Answer Is Simple...
(Sometimes we get questions from concerned Catholics who are sincerely trying to understand the reasons we are disobeying an unjust man-made church law to follow the Spirit in prophetic obedience)
We look directly to Jesus and also to Mary. Many of us are ,in fact, mothers, grandmothers, foster and adoptive mothers, and all of us care for God's little ones from the cradle to the grave-ALL of God's beloved people. We follow our beloved Christ in all ways, and remember the part of the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-53) where Mary says:God "has scattered those who are proud ...brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble...has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty..." thereby setting the tone for Jesus'teachings and his love for the poor, women, strangers, the outcast and those who were out of step with the priests of his day,especially the Pharisees.
We look directly to Jesus and also to Mary. Many of us are ,in fact, mothers, grandmothers, foster and adoptive mothers, and all of us care for God's little ones from the cradle to the grave-ALL of God's beloved people. We follow our beloved Christ in all ways, and remember the part of the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-53) where Mary says:God "has scattered those who are proud ...brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble...has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty..." thereby setting the tone for Jesus'teachings and his love for the poor, women, strangers, the outcast and those who were out of step with the priests of his day,especially the Pharisees.
Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of that day many times to show that God wanted something more of us. Where the "Magisterium" or canon or tradition of any church and its "rulers" declare teachings that are not in accordance with the love and equality and inclusiveness of Jesus - we have the courage to change that while remaining faithful to Jesus.
Judy Lee, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests.
http://associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
Judy Lee, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests.
http://associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
Another issue raised by critics of our movement is "you should imitate Mary, who was silent and docile"
A RCWP Responds::
"We do, also, respect the role of Mary, mother of Jesus. I, however, do not see her as a silent, docile woman. I remember her as a woman who, through strength and determination, overcame the stigma of being seen as an un-wed mother; conquered the fearfulness of being "homeless" when she was about to give birth; defeated the challenges of being an immigrant to the land of Egypt in order to save her baby son's life; and endured the horror of seeing her only child become a perfectly innocent victim of capital punishment - as she stood at the foot of the cross, with amazing strength. I remember, too, that she was the one who set her son Jesus on his path to ministry as she ignored his claim that his "time had not come" at the wedding feast of Cana. Mary was called to a unique role in the life of Jesus and our Church. She was not - in my way of thinking - docile or quiet!"
Mary Ann Schoettly, RCWP/USA
Mary Ann Schoettly, RCWP/USA
"The Revolution Has Begun" by Donna Rougeux, (Ordinand, ARCWP)
Left to right:
Janice Sevre Duszynska, ARCWP,
Maryknoll Priest, Fr. Roy Bourgeois,
Donna Rougeux, Ordinand, ARCWP
In one weekend we experienced the excitement of the newest wave of the Holy Spirit and seemed to be moving on the wave the entire weekend. Bridget Mary's words sum it up well..."The Revolution has begun." To tell this story I need to start with how the weekend began. On Friday Janice and I went to Cincinnati for a Mary Magdalen prayer service with the Sisters of Charity at Mount Saint Joseph. The lady who did the reflection talked about how important it is for women to be ordained as priests! This prayer service was very well attended and the message about women being ordained set the stage for what followed. The next day, we were getting ready to go to the showing of Pink Smoke at the Esquire Theatre in Cincinnati and were sidetracked with the awesome article on the front page of the New York Times about the 150 American Priests signing a statement supporting Roy who advocates for women's ordination. So Janice and I went out to get some copies of the New York Times. We bought the last copy the store had and took it to the showing of Pink Smoke. After experiencing the exhilaration of a sell out showing of Pink Smoke (200 people) we were eating lunch and were reminded by Ruth that Roy was going to speak at a CTA gathering in Pittsburg tomorrow. Janice asked Ruth how long it took to get to Pittsburg from Cincinnati. Ruth told her that it takes 5 hours. Janice looked at me with the words 'Road Trip' written on her face and I told her I had never met Roy and had always wanted to meet him. So with no clean clothes in our suitcase and no map and no place to stay...yet, we took off to Pittsburg. It was like a modern day version of disciples journeying to see a prophet. Ruth told us to get on 71 and then 70 to Wheeling and when she got home she would call us with the rest of the directions and give us Joan Hoak's phone number so we could call her to see if we could stay with her or one of her friends when we got to Pittsburg.
Janice has a new car with the ability to get phone calls through bluetooth allowing a 'conference call effect' to be the way we used the phone as we journeyed along. When one travels with Janice Sevre-Duszynska in this fashion, it doesn't take long to see how connected she is to so many people through her peace and justice work and with our movement for women's ordination. The whole time we were driving phone call after phone call came in from people who saw the New York Times article. There I was in the passenger seat connecting the calls and hearing all these people I only knew about from reading about them call her and say "Did you see the New York Times Janice?" Or "Great picture in the New York Times Janice!" Every time we got a call like that we both started laughing. It was very entertaining and inspiring.
Many phone calls later along with great conversation between the calls, we arrived at Joan's house and spent the evening talking to Joan and her husband and listening to Roy being interviewed on a local radio station. The next day we went to an old German church downtown to attend mass, lunch and hear Roy talk. The gathering was sponsored by CTA and it was very well attended (about 300 people). Joan presided at the mass and Janice assisted with communion. The mass was beautiful and it focused on Mary Magdalen. At the end of mass Joan called me and Janice to the front and told everyone that Roy attended Janice's ordination and that I was going to be ordained as a deacon on Sept. 10. Everyone clapped. There was a break before we at lunch.
During the break a lady came up to me and asked me to tell her how I became interested in the movement. After telling her some of my story she said she was going to be a nun but had not taken her final vow. She said she felt like she was supposed to be at this CTA event but didn't know why. She had never been to a mass with a woman presider until this event. When I told her I was a chaplain she said she always wanted to be a chaplain. At one point she got tearful and said she felt like there was a big reason for her to be there. When I suggested that maybe God was calling her to be a priest she cried tears of joy and said she would pray about it. I think this lady will not be making her final vow to be a nun! It was amazing to see the Holy Spirit working with her right before my eyes! She hadn't even heard Roy speak yet.
Fr. Roy was inspirational and I found myself moved to tears at several points when he passionately said words supporting women's ordination. I guess that was the first time I had ever heard a male priest be that openly supportive and it touched my heart deeply. It was great to talk to him and personally thank him for all of his work. He is a prophet. CTA agrees with my observation and they gave him an award for being a 21st century prophet.
When it was time to leave we said good-bye to Joan, John and Roy. We drove and talked to more people on the phone as we journeyed back home. What a spirit filled and empowering weekend! We are in exciting times. I never dreamed this would be happening in my life time! My heart is filled with thanksgiving to our God that I am part of this very important moment in a time when the Holy Spirit is once again breathing new life into the church that we love.
Donna Rougeux, Ordinand/ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
"Vatican Recalls Ambassador to Ireland Over Abuse Report" By Rachel Donadio/New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/26/world/europe/26church.html?_r=1
July 25, 2011
"ROME — In a deepening standoff, the Vatican has recalled its ambassador to Ireland following the release of an Irish government report that the Vatican had discouraged efforts by bishops to report cases of sex abuse to the police, the Holy See said Monday.In a statement issued Monday, the Vatican cited “the reactions that ensued” following the publication of the report.
The Vatican’s decision to recall Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza follows the release on July 13 of the report, which found that clergy in the rural Irish diocese of Cloyne did not act on complaints against 19 priests from 1996 to as recently as 2009. More damningly, it said that the Vatican had encouraged bishops to ignore child-protection guidelines adopted by Irish bishops in 1996 that included “mandatory reporting” of abuse to civil authorities.
A spokesman for the Vatican said that recalling a nunzio, the church’s equivalent of an ambassador, was a rare move that “denoted the seriousness of the situation,” as well the Holy See’s “will to deal with it with objectivity and determination.”The spokesman, the Rev. Ciro Benedettini, told reporters on Monday that Archbishop Leanza would return to Rome to consult with Vatican officials who are preparing an official response to the Irish government, but added that the decision “does not exclude some degree of surprise and disappointment at certain excessive reactions.”....
July 25, 2011
"ROME — In a deepening standoff, the Vatican has recalled its ambassador to Ireland following the release of an Irish government report that the Vatican had discouraged efforts by bishops to report cases of sex abuse to the police, the Holy See said Monday.In a statement issued Monday, the Vatican cited “the reactions that ensued” following the publication of the report.
The Vatican’s decision to recall Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza follows the release on July 13 of the report, which found that clergy in the rural Irish diocese of Cloyne did not act on complaints against 19 priests from 1996 to as recently as 2009. More damningly, it said that the Vatican had encouraged bishops to ignore child-protection guidelines adopted by Irish bishops in 1996 that included “mandatory reporting” of abuse to civil authorities.
A spokesman for the Vatican said that recalling a nunzio, the church’s equivalent of an ambassador, was a rare move that “denoted the seriousness of the situation,” as well the Holy See’s “will to deal with it with objectivity and determination.”The spokesman, the Rev. Ciro Benedettini, told reporters on Monday that Archbishop Leanza would return to Rome to consult with Vatican officials who are preparing an official response to the Irish government, but added that the decision “does not exclude some degree of surprise and disappointment at certain excessive reactions.”....
Sunday, July 24, 2011
"The End of Awe" by Maureen Dowd/ Ireland Leads Way to Challenge Vatican to Protect Children Vs. Perpetrators of Sexual Abuse
July 23, 2011
The End of Awe
By MAUREEN DOWD
"WEDNESDAY found both the British prime minister and the Irish taoiseach passionately addressing their parliaments about the demystified lords of their universes.
Across the Irish Sea in Dublin, Enda Kenny took on the actual pope, making a blazing speech about the Vatican’s unconscionable behavior in the pedophilia scandal.
After 17 years of revolting revelations, Kenny said the latest report on the Cloyne diocese in County Cork exposed “an attempt by the Holy See to frustrate an inquiry in a sovereign, democratic republic as little as three years ago, not three decades ago.”
The report, he said, “excavates the dysfunction, disconnection, elitism, the narcissism that dominate the culture of the Vatican to this day. The rape and torture of children were downplayed or ‘managed’ to uphold, instead, the primacy of the institution, its power, standing and ‘reputation.’ ...
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Maureen Dowd, an Irish American, is an astute observer of the human condition . She is "right on" about issues that apply to the Roman Catholic Church.
It is ironic that Ireland is putting its foot down. It is positioned to take on the Vatican and demand accountability in a way that no other nation can.
One would have to be Irish to appreciate what a courageous stance this is for Enda Kenny, the prime minister!
I certainly get it!
Our family left Coolkerry, Rathdowney, Ireland when I was 8 years old, in 1956, but in the USA, we were raised as if we lived in Ireland. My mother, Bridie, led the family rosary every night. We attended Mass weekly, if not more often, made novenas, my brothers, Patrick and Sean attended parochial schools, obeyed all the rules, etc.
So, I know all about the cultural connection between being Irish and being Roman Catholic. Tribal identity and religious affliation are intimately connected in Ireland, and the Irish in the United States lived their "irish" identity in the United States.
So fast forward to today.
What a indictment of the Catholic Church by a Catholic country!
Perhaps, the Irish are the only ones who could really demand at the Vatican deal with the crisis in a way that values children as the images of God, worthy of protection that puts their rights in civil law above protection of clergy perpetrators in canon law.
Now the question is will the Irish lead the world in challenging Vatican diplomatic immunity as a shield for clergy criminals who are transferred from country to country in violation of the human rights of children?
Instead of complaining about their prophetic stance, the Vatican should be expressing gratitude to the Irish for once again saving the church!
Right on, holy Ireland for leading the way, once again, as you did long ago!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/
sofiabmm@aol.com
703-505-0004
The End of Awe
By MAUREEN DOWD
"WEDNESDAY found both the British prime minister and the Irish taoiseach passionately addressing their parliaments about the demystified lords of their universes.
Across the Irish Sea in Dublin, Enda Kenny took on the actual pope, making a blazing speech about the Vatican’s unconscionable behavior in the pedophilia scandal.
After 17 years of revolting revelations, Kenny said the latest report on the Cloyne diocese in County Cork exposed “an attempt by the Holy See to frustrate an inquiry in a sovereign, democratic republic as little as three years ago, not three decades ago.”
The report, he said, “excavates the dysfunction, disconnection, elitism, the narcissism that dominate the culture of the Vatican to this day. The rape and torture of children were downplayed or ‘managed’ to uphold, instead, the primacy of the institution, its power, standing and ‘reputation.’ ...
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Maureen Dowd, an Irish American, is an astute observer of the human condition . She is "right on" about issues that apply to the Roman Catholic Church.
It is ironic that Ireland is putting its foot down. It is positioned to take on the Vatican and demand accountability in a way that no other nation can.
One would have to be Irish to appreciate what a courageous stance this is for Enda Kenny, the prime minister!
I certainly get it!
Our family left Coolkerry, Rathdowney, Ireland when I was 8 years old, in 1956, but in the USA, we were raised as if we lived in Ireland. My mother, Bridie, led the family rosary every night. We attended Mass weekly, if not more often, made novenas, my brothers, Patrick and Sean attended parochial schools, obeyed all the rules, etc.
So, I know all about the cultural connection between being Irish and being Roman Catholic. Tribal identity and religious affliation are intimately connected in Ireland, and the Irish in the United States lived their "irish" identity in the United States.
So fast forward to today.
What a indictment of the Catholic Church by a Catholic country!
Perhaps, the Irish are the only ones who could really demand at the Vatican deal with the crisis in a way that values children as the images of God, worthy of protection that puts their rights in civil law above protection of clergy perpetrators in canon law.
Now the question is will the Irish lead the world in challenging Vatican diplomatic immunity as a shield for clergy criminals who are transferred from country to country in violation of the human rights of children?
Instead of complaining about their prophetic stance, the Vatican should be expressing gratitude to the Irish for once again saving the church!
Right on, holy Ireland for leading the way, once again, as you did long ago!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/
sofiabmm@aol.com
703-505-0004
Federation of Christian Ministries Presents Soto Award to Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests and to Roman Catholic Womenpriests/USA
Bridget Mary Meehan (left) and Andrea Johnson (right)
receive Soto Award for ARCWP and RCWP/USA
Eastern region
Photo of past Soto award recepients
who were present at annual
FCM Assembly on July 24, 2011
On July 24, 2011, Bob and Ginny Graf, southern region Vice-Presidents of the Federation of Christian Ministries, presented the Soto award for visionary and courageous leadership to the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests and to Roman Catholic Womenpriests USA/Eastern Region Bridget Mary Meehan, from ARCWP, accepted the award and Andrea Johnson from RCWP/USA Eastern region accepted the award on behalf of their respective women priests communities in the United States.
On July 24, 2011, Bob and Ginny Graf, southern region Vice-Presidents of the Federation of Christian Ministries, presented the Soto award for visionary and courageous leadership to the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests and to Roman Catholic Womenpriests USA/Eastern Region Bridget Mary Meehan, from ARCWP, accepted the award and Andrea Johnson from RCWP/USA Eastern region accepted the award on behalf of their respective women priests communities in the United States.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
"In 3 Countries, Challenging the Vatican on Female Priests"/ by Laurie Goodstein/ New York Times/Tide is turning in favor of women priests
Fr. Roy Bourgeois holds cup at Janice Sevre Duszynska's ordination.
Now male priests, bishops and a cardinal are supporting his stance for gender justice in the church and some are advocating for women priests.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/23/world/23priest.html?_r=1
In 3 Countries, Challenging the Vatican on Female Priests /NY Times
LAURIE GOODSTEIN
Published: Friday, July 22, 2011 at 6:30 a.m.
"More than 150 Roman Catholic priests in the United States have signed a statement in support of a fellow cleric who faces dismissal for participating in a ceremony that purported to ordain a woman as a priest, in defiance of church teaching.
The American priests’ action follows closely on the heels of a “Call to Disobedience” issued in Austria last month by more than 300 priests and deacons. They stunned their bishops with a seven-point pledge that includes actively promoting priesthood for women and married men, and reciting a public prayer for “church reform” .....
See movie listing priests, bishops and a cardinal who support women priests
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X78CfOZ8W-0
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
We are at the beginning of a tipping point. Now rank and file priests are saying "Enough" of sexism in our church. There is a growing enthusiasm for women priests in the Catholic Church- now the male priests are jumping on the bandwagon of support for gender justice. So are some bishops and a cardinal!
Watch movie on youtube!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
sofiabmm@aol.com
703-505-0004
157 Catholic Priests Rise Up To Support Fellow Embattled Priest
"In an unprecedented move, 157 Catholic priests have signed on to a letter in support of their fellow embattled priest, Fr. Roy Bourgeois, who has been told to recant his support for women's ordination or be removed from the priesthood. The letter that supports Roy's priesthood and his right to conscience was delivered, Friday, July 22nd, to Fr. Edward Dougherty, Superior General of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers in Maryknoll, NY.
"We can no longer remain silent while priests and even bishops are removed from their posts simply because they choose to speak their truth," said Fr. Fred Daley, a spokesperson of the effort and a priest of the Syracuse Diocese. "Together, we are standing up for our brother priest, Roy, and for all clergy who have felt afraid to speak up on matters of conscience.
"We hope that our support as ordained priests in good standing will help give Fr. Dougherty the support he needs to make a decision that is fair and just."
This stance of priests from the United States follows a series of recent actions where priests collectively have taken a stand for justice in the Church. Last year, priests in Ireland formed a union aimed at organizing the 6,500 priests there in response to the clergy abuse crisis. In May of this year, the National Council of Priests of Australia released a statement in support of a bishop forced to resign because he mentioned women's ordination as one possible solution to the priest shortage. Then, this month, the Austrian-based Initiative of Parish Priests launched a campaign with 300 priests signing a call for resistance that encourages, among other things, the inclusion of women and married men to the priesthood..."
July 23, 2011
Nicole Sotelo, Call To Action : 773.404.0004 x285
Kate Conmy, Women's Ordination Conference, 202.675.1006
Friday, July 22, 2011
Douglas Laycock, J.D/Newcomers Facing Traditionalists in a Tug-of-War Struggle By Megan Larkin
WASHINGTON--A silent storm is brewing to put “the people” in church pulpits--women, lay members, minorities and other faithful—who find the church doors locked against them by traditionalists who want no “outsiders.”
Women priests denied the pulpit are in the forefront, and backed by some strong advocates.
“Something is bubbling now,” Suzanne Thiel, president of Roman Catholic Women Priests, told The Spiritual Herald. “We’re not going away and it seems to be snowballing and developing. We seem to be a thorn in their side.”
Hushon added that the “movement is getting larger and larger” and he predicts that it will soon reach a critical mass at which point huge gains will be made.
“We could see some very interesting things as acts of resistance. We could see two weeks in a row significant numbers of people who don’t give anything in the collection bowl. We could see two or three weeks in a row at the end of this year where nobody shows up to give communion. Or nobody shows up to read. Or nobody shows up to teach,” he said.
Those in power are seeing the vulnerability of their position. The movement not only consists of lay people but includes religious leaders who are speaking out together. Reports of disobedience are increasing and in the Catholic Church in particular priests are deliberately disobeying orders of higher authorities with no repercussions...
The movement’s leverage will continue to grow along with its numbers, inspiring bigger and bolder attempts to challenge the status quo.
http://www.thespiritualherald.org/article.php?id=208
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X78CfOZ8W-0
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Congratulations to John Hushon and the American Catholic Council Conference for their work for renewal in the Catholic Church. Let us be the change that we profess to be as we transform our beloved church. Mary, Mother of Jesus Catholic Community's leadership Circle was present in Detroit. The Associaiton of Roman Catholic Women Priests were present too!
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
sofiabmm@aol.com
Women priests denied the pulpit are in the forefront, and backed by some strong advocates.
“Something is bubbling now,” Suzanne Thiel, president of Roman Catholic Women Priests, told The Spiritual Herald. “We’re not going away and it seems to be snowballing and developing. We seem to be a thorn in their side.”
Hushon added that the “movement is getting larger and larger” and he predicts that it will soon reach a critical mass at which point huge gains will be made.
“We could see some very interesting things as acts of resistance. We could see two weeks in a row significant numbers of people who don’t give anything in the collection bowl. We could see two or three weeks in a row at the end of this year where nobody shows up to give communion. Or nobody shows up to read. Or nobody shows up to teach,” he said.
Those in power are seeing the vulnerability of their position. The movement not only consists of lay people but includes religious leaders who are speaking out together. Reports of disobedience are increasing and in the Catholic Church in particular priests are deliberately disobeying orders of higher authorities with no repercussions...
The movement’s leverage will continue to grow along with its numbers, inspiring bigger and bolder attempts to challenge the status quo.
http://www.thespiritualherald.org/article.php?id=208
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X78CfOZ8W-0
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Congratulations to John Hushon and the American Catholic Council Conference for their work for renewal in the Catholic Church. Let us be the change that we profess to be as we transform our beloved church. Mary, Mother of Jesus Catholic Community's leadership Circle was present in Detroit. The Associaiton of Roman Catholic Women Priests were present too!
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
sofiabmm@aol.com
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