200 Priests Sign -Express Support for Maryknoll Priest Roy Bourgeois/CTA Link

Fr. Roy and Bridget Mary
at Janice Sevre-Duszynska's ordination
in Aug, 2008

Check out breaking news on CTA's website: www.cta-usa.org

1) 200 priests sign for Roy -- Press Release

2) The story of his second canonical warning

3) Links to both of the New York Times articles .

WUKY: Priest Excommunicated For Kentucky Ordination Faces Dismissal From Order (2011-08-11)

Fr. Roy Bourgeois, Ruth Steinert Foote,
Bishop Dana Reynolds, Janice
Sevre-Duszynska at ordination
on Aug. 9,2008 in Lexington, KY
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wuky/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1839257/LocalRegional.News/Priest.Excommunicated.For.Kentucky.Ordination.Faces.Dismissal.From.Order
LEXINGTON, KY (wuky) - A nationally known priest who participated in a ceremony in Kentucky ordaining a woman is refusing to recant his views despite pressure from his order and the Vatican. Rev. Roy Bourgeois was excommunicated by the Roman Catholic Church in 2008 for taking part in the ordination of Janice Sevre-Duszynska. Since that time, he's continued his affiliation with Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers but remains staunch in his support for the ordination of women. Mike Virgintino, communications manager for the order, said, "Maryknoll has tried to foster dialogue regarding this issue and now it's come to a time when Maryknoll can do no more." But Bourgeois is still defiant, despite a second canonical warning from the order. Sevre-Duszynska, who continues her work for the church, sees inspiration in Bourgeois' unyielding stance. "Father Roy Bourgeois is a modern day prophet who has been following the primacy of his conscience," she said. A decision on Bourgeois' removal from the order is expected in the next few weeks. Then it would be up to the Vatican to decide whether he can remain a priest. Pink Smoke Over the Vatican, a documentary about the women's ordination movement in the Catholic Church featuring Janice Sevre-Duszynska ,will be screened at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington August 16th.

"Vatican Aims to Regain Trust of US Religious Women," / Vatican in Damage Control Mode/Nuns' Triumph Advances Women's Equality in Church

http://ncronline.org/news/vatican/vatican-aims-regain-trust-us-religious-women-official-says
Aug. 10, 2011
In the final stage of the apostolic visitation of U.S. women's religious communities, the Vatican congregation overseeing the study not only is facing mountains of paper, but must try to rebuild a relationship of trust with the women, said the congregation's secretary.

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

"In an interview Aug. 10 with Catholic News Service, Archbishop Tobin said the congregation hoped its review of the visitation reports and its responses to the participating religious communities would be marked by dialogue and would be a step toward healing..."I'm an optimist, but also trying to be realistic: The trust that should characterize the daughters and sons of God and disciples of Jesus isn't recovered overnight. I think women religious have a right to say, 'Well, let's see,'" he said.
The former prefect of the congregation, Cardinal Franc Rode, initiated the visitation in January 2009, saying its aim would be to study the community, prayer and apostolic life of the orders to learn why the number of religious women in the United States had declined so sharply since the 1960s.
The congregation, which has a staff of 40, including only three native English speakers, will need help reading, assessing and responding to the reports, he said.
One possibility, Archbishop Tobin said, is to ask religious congregations based in Rome to allow U.S. members of their general councils to serve as consultants to the congregation and help go through all the reports.
The fact that Cardinal Rode had decided the visitors' reports would not be shared with the individual communities was only "part of the real harm done at the beginning," Archbishop Tobin said. The situation was exacerbated by "rumors and, I would say, some rather unscrupulous canonical advisers exploited that" by sowing fear that the Vatican would replace the leadership of some communities or dissolve them altogether.
"It's like Fox News, they keep people coming back because they keep them afraid," Archbishop Tobin said.
"But certainly, on our side of the river or our side of the pond, we had created an atmosphere where that was possible," and where the idea that some communities would be closed down "didn't seem to be so outlandish."
"It's like preaching; it's not what you say, it's what they hear ... and what a lot of these women heard was someone telling them their life was not loyal and faith-filled," he said.

Bridget Mary's Reflection
The Vatican is obviously in full damage control in the fallout of their failed witch -hunt like investigation of the nuns. The nuns' prayer-power and holy witness to Christ has overwhelmed the Vatican investigation!
Archbishop Tobin gets that it will take a mighty long time!
Rebuilding trust will demand a Vatican transformation of a patriarchal structure that treats women as second class citizens. An impossible dream! Let's hope not! The Holy Spirit is working in the people of God who support the egalitarian vision of a Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered church, not an all-male boys club!
The Nuns vs. Vatican is not only a tale that vindicates the nuns, but also, a story that promotes the cause of women's equality. In the end, justice always prevails. We are reaching a tipping point for a more open, just, inclusive church. We now have a renewed priestly ministry of women in the Roman Catholic Women Priests' International Movement that reflects the vision of Jesus' love for all in grassroots communities.
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
sofiabmm@aol.com
www.associationoformancatholicwomenpriests.org

"Irish Prime Minister Challenges the Vatican and Us" by Thomas Doyle in National Catholic Reporter

http://ncronline.org/blogs/examining-crisis/irish-prime-minister-challenges-vatican-and-us
"Kenny told the Parliament "the Cloyne Report excavates the dysfunction, disconnection, elitism … the narcissism that dominate the culture of the Vatican to this day."
These or similar sentiments have been repeated time and time again by critics of the Vatican's consistently inadequate response to the clergy sexual abuse nightmare over the past two decades.
What is utterly remarkable and undoubtedly an historic bombshell is the fact that they were spoken by the Prime Minister of Ireland before the Irish Parliament. "Read the full text
"This groundbreaking address buries the destructive myth that the institutional Catholic church with its monarchical governing structure is some sort of superior or exalted political entity with self-created rights to subvert the civic order of any society that calls it to accountability for the behavior of its privileged class.
Charlie Flanagan, chairman of Fine Gael, the single largest party in Ireland and lead party in the ruling coalition, framed this in a stark and eye-opening way in his call for the expulsion of the Papal Nuncio: "If any foreign government conspired with Irish citizens to break the law here, their ambassadors would be expelled..."
The Taoiseach repeated this sentiment by reminding the Irish lawmakers and indeed everyone that Ireland is not Rome.
"Nor is it an industrial-school or Magdalene Ireland where the swish of a soutane smothered conscience and humanity and the swing of a thurible ruled the Irish Catholic world. 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."
This is much more than a stirring address to the Irish parliament. It is the voice of a long awaited and sorely needed liberation from the chains of a clericalist control that sacrificed the very ones Jesus spoke out so passionately in defense of. This liberation is essential not only in Ireland but in any state or country where the Catholic church hopes to regain its relevance not as a gilded institution but as a Christian way of life. One can only hope that this momentous breakthrough and long-awaited challenge will be taken up in every other country where children have been violated by the Catholic clergy or religious..."

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Ireland is leading the way for other countries to hold the Vatican accountable for the global sexual abuse crisis. The church needs radical reform of the clerical culture that put the protection of clergy above the pastoral care of children and people. We need a renewed priestly ministry within an empowered community of equals that is transparent and accountable.The Vatican cannot act as if it is above the civil law. Canon law does not trump civil law.
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP

Vatican Summoned Cardinal Policarpo to Rome/Demand Clarification of Endorsement of Women Priests

Policarpo summoned to Vatican for his statements on the ordination of women priests
A cordial exchange between the Secretary of State, Tarcisio Bertone, and the Lisbon Patriarch took place a few days ago

ANDREA TORNIELLI

VATICAN CITY
"The Lisbon patriarch, José da Cruz Policarpo, who during a recent interview stated that “no fundamental obstacle” exists, from a “theological stand point,” to the ordination of women priests had an exchange with the Papal Secretary of State Bertone, after he received a letter from the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the faith, cardinal William Levada,who invited him to clarify his position. "

This is according an article by António Marujo published by the Portuguese newspaper Publico. The Vatican Insider has also written about it, reporting the clarification published by the Portuguese cardinal.

"It has just been confirmed that the seventy-five year old patriarch of Lisbon, will be serving another two years as leader of the diocese in the Portuguese capital. During a long interview with the monthly publication “OA”, the Portuguese Law Society magazine, discussing the topic of women priests, states that “John Paul II at one point seemed to have settled the controversy.” Reference is made to the apostolic letter Ordinatio sacerdotalis (1994), one of the shortest documents written by Wojtyla, with which the Pope, after the Anglican Communion’s decision to open the ordination of women, confirmed that the Catholic Church would have never done it. "

“I believe,” cardinal Policarpo said, “that the issue cannot be settled in these terms. From a theological stand point there is no fundamental obstacle (to women priests, Ed.); there is this tradition, let’s call it that way; it was never done any other way.”

"In response to the interviewer’s question, intrigued by the cardinal’s statement that no theological reasons exist against the ordination of women, Policarpo answered, “I do not think there is any fundamental obstacle. It is the fundamental equality right of all members of the Church. The problem is rooted in a very strong tradition, which originates from Jesus and the ease with which the reformed Churches allowed women to become priests.”

A few days after, the cardinal disclosed a letter in which he clarified his thoughts, stating that he never “systematically analyzed the matter.” “Reactions to this interview forced me to ponder on the matter with more attention and I realized that, by not paying due attention to the statements of the teachings of the Church on the matter, I helped trigger these reactions.” Policarpo then added, “It would be painful for me if my words were to create confusion in our obedience to the Church and to the words of our Holy Father.”

"Now, the Portuguese daily paper reveals a behind the scenes description of what happened over the past weeks, stating that the Lisbon patriarch was summoned by the Papal Secretary of State, Tarcisio Bertone. The conversation took place in Castel Gandolfo in the first half of July, while the Portuguese cardinal was in Rome to participate to a plenary session of the newly formed Papal Council for the new evangelization. Publico writes that Policarpo was treated with extreme kindness “because the Vatican was afraid he would react negatively to a strong reprimand.”

"On July 2, a few days before the meeting with Bertone, Policarpo had received, through a papal nuncio in Lisbon, a letter by cardinal William Levada, prefect of the former Holy Office. According to a testimony obtained by Publico, the letter apparently had him very worried. For this reason, on 6 July, the patriarch wrote a clarification statement. The Portuguese daily paper, however, highlights that this was not the first time Policarpo had made statements of this kind about women priests: however, it was the first time that his words had been reported by the international press. "

"António Marujo’s article provides several of the cardinal’s statements as examples. In 1999, a year after his appointment as Lisbon patriarch of the diocesan center, Policarpo led people to believe that the matter of women priests had not been settled at all and that what was needed, was a period of maturing of the communities and the Church, since today the idea of “women carrying out duties that were unthinkable thirty years ago is now accepted within the Church.”

"On May 2003, in Vienna, the cardinal responded in a similar fashion to a question during a press conference in which mention was made to a letter sent by Pope John Paul II in 1994 and the Congregation’s subsequent clarification of the Doctrine of the Faith. Policarpo explained that in his opinion the matter “is not settled that way; from a theological point of view, there is no fundamental obstacle; there is this tradition, let’s call it that way... it was never done any other way”. In that same interview, the Lisbon patriarch stated that at the present time it was not appropriate to raise the issue because it would have triggered “a series of reactions,” but he concluded saying that “If God wishes it to happen, and if it God’s plan, it will happen.”

Bridget Mary's Refelction

No surprise here! Policarpo summoned to Vatican for his statements on the ordination of women priests

Cardinal Bertone summoned Cardinal Policarpo to the Vatican for some heavy-arm twisting to reverse his supportive statement on women priest.

Sort of like throwing Cardinal Policarpo's miter in the Tiber River. This is another example of bullying by Bertone and Levada. My bet is that Policarpo, a saavy prelate, is biding his time and will not recant on this issue like Fr. Roy Bourgeois, who faces expulsion from his Maryknoll Order because he will not recant his support of women priests.

Perhaps, some bishop or cardinal, who agrees with Policarpo, may simply go ahead and ordain more women priests. Justice and equality for women in our church including ordination is the voice of God in our time.

The good news is that in spite of Vatican punishments and threats, our movement is growing and gaining more support each day. One can say that the Vatican is the gift that keeps on giving! Let us pray that the holy shakeup will continue as Catholics in grassroots communities experience a renewed priestly ministry in our church. At the end of the day, sexism is a sin, and like racism is always wrong. TheRoman Catholic Church should follow the example of Jesus who called women and men to be disciples and equals. The Risen Christ first appeared to Mary of Magdala not to Peter. The Risen Jesus called Mary to be the apostle to the apostles. In Romans, Paul affirms the woman apostle, Junia, as a honored teacher who inspired him by her courage.
Women are not misbegotten males, as the church has taught for centuries. Women are equal images of God by baptism. It is time that the Vatican follows Jesus example of Gospel equality and repents of its sinful discrimination against half its members! The full equality of women in the church is the voice of God in our time.

Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/
sofiabmm@aol.com

"Order Dismisses a Priest Trying to Ordain Women"/ New York Times/Global News Article

Fr. Roy holds cup at ordination
of Janice Sevre-Duszynska in
Aug. 2008

Article by Laurie Goodstein/NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/09/us/09priest.html?_r=1

..."Father Bourgeois has gone further than any other priest in good standing to ally himself publicly with the growing women’s ordination movement. The group Roman Catholic Womenpriests claims to have ordained 120 women as priests and 10 as bishops in the last few years. The Vatican regards the ceremonies as illicit and invalid. Father Bourgeois participated in one such ceremony in 2008, and since then has given speeches around the country in support of female priests. "
“They want two words: I recant,” Father Bourgeois said. “And they can’t get that out of me. For me, the real scandal is the message we are sending to women: you’re not equal, you cannot be priests, you’re not worthy.”

All Voices -Global News article:

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/9896197-removal-threatened-for-catholic-priest-who-supports-womens-ordination

Under pressure from the Vatican in Rome, the Maryknoll Catholic religious order has given notice to Fr. Roy Bourgeois that he will be dismissed from the order and his priesthood because he does not recant his support for women priests. Prior to the action, Fr. Roy had responded to the "second cannonical warning" that threatened this move with this statement: "As people of faith we believe in the primacy of conscience. Our conscience gives us a sense of right and wrong and urges us to do what is right, what is just. What you are asking me to do in your letter is not possible without betraying my conscience. In essence, you are telling me to lie. This I cannot do, therefore I will not recant. I firmly believe that the exclusion of women from the priesthood is a grave injustice against women, against our Church, and against our God."

Fr. Roy's lawyer had asked the public to manifest support of the priest by contacting the Superior General of the Maryknoll Order, Father Ed DoughertyEd Dougherty, asking him not to expel Father Roy Bourgeois for advocating for women priests. However, that effort was fruitless. Bourgeois' case will now move to the Vatican which will process his formal removal from the priesthood, known as laicization.
Hundreds of priests had publicly supported Father Roy’s right to speak his conscience. Thousands more women and men across the world support this issue and Father Roy as well. The Women's Ordination Conference continues to urge Bourgeois' supporters to sign their online petition as a means of expressing their support.
A sampling of statements supportive of Bourgeois from prominent Catholics includes the following:
"The culture of bullying within the Catholic Church cannot be tolerated any longer," said Erin Hanna, Executive Director of the Women's Ordination Conference. "It is contrary to the gospel itself to bully and dismiss faithful priests who dare to break the silence in support of women's rightful role in the Church."
"JesusJesus himself welcomed women as well as men into ministerial leadership," said Jim FitzGerald, Call To Action's Executive Director. "It is a shame our Church does not do likewise."
"The Vatican does not excommunicate the pedophile-priests who have raped and sodomized Catholic youth, or punish the bishops who covered up these crimes. Yet, now in this outrageous action they stand ready to defrock Fr. Roy, priest of the people and prophet for justice who has served God for over 40 years as a well-known peace and justice activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee," said Bridget Mary Meehan, from the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests.
Suzanne Thiel of Roman Catholic Womenpriests-USA affirmed: "Regardless of personal consequences, Fr. Roy refuses to be cowed by men who support an unjust law that knowingly discriminates against half the Body of Christ. He sees the face of Jesus in his sisters."

Vigil in support of Women's Ordination, Maryknoll Headquarters, 8/14 @ 9:30 am/Letter from Bill Quigley's -Fr. Roy's Attorney

Fr. Roy Bourgeois holds up Cup
at ordination of Janice Sevre-Duszynska

Dear Supporter of the Peace and Justice Movement,
Father Roy Bourgeois has been given 15 days to recant his public support of Women's Ordination or be dismissed from Maryknoll. Now is the time to stand in solidarity with Roy and equal rights for woman.
We are outraged at Maryknoll's use of the term "scandal" when referring to Father Roy. How can an organization that promotes peace and justice worldwide turn its back on this Viet Nam vet turned Maryknoll priest, who has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, is the founder of the School of the America's Watch, and is the epitome of everything we thought Maryknoll stood for?
We encourage the Maryknoll leadership to reflect on this question and examine their consciences as one of their most cherished members, Father Roy Bourgeois, has done: "As priests we say we are called by God. Who are we to say that God would not call a woman?"
Please join us for a peaceful Vigil in support of
Father Roy and Women's Right to Ordination
Sunday August 14 Maryknoll Headquarters, Ossining, NY
starting at 9:30 -- the weekly public Mass at the Chapel begins at 10:30.
For more information about the Vigil, including transportation, call Anne Dowling 917 860-1794 annedwl@aol.com
For more information about Father Roy Bourgeois http://www.womensordination.org/content/view/108

Letter from Fr. Roy's Attorney: Bill Quigley
August 8, 2011
Dear Friends:
Our brother, Father Roy Bourgeois, needs your immediate solidarity. The Maryknoll community has taken another step towards expulsion of Father Roy for speaking out in favor of the ordination of women priests. Father Roy has said that, as a matter of conscience, he must speak out against the exclusion of women from the priesthood both because it defies faith and reason and because the exclusion is rooted in sexism. Despite the threats to expel him, Father Roy refuses to recant. It is time for people of good will to take action. Please contact Father Ed Dougherty, the Superior General of Maryknoll, and ask him not to expel Father Roy Bourgeois for advocating for women priests. Here is how to contact Father Dougherty:Father Edward DoughertyMaryknoll FathersPO Box 303Maryknoll, NY 10545-0303Fax: 914.944.3600 or Phone: 914.941.7590Email: mklcouncil@maryknoll.orgI am one of the lawyers on the team working with Father Roy. Below is a link to the letter Father Roy recently received from Maryknoll. It is the official second and perhaps final notice threatening to immediately expel him from the community. Below is a link to Father Roy’s response to Maryknoll. You can read it and see where he stands. His letter is a simple direct invitation to dialogue about inclusion of women in the priesthood and a call for the protection of conscience – key foundation principles in any institution which respects human dignity. Contrast his letter with one from Maryknoll and judge which best reflects the spirit of hope, justice, respect and love.

Father Roy's Letter to Maryknoll:
https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/727/images/FatherRoy.pdf

Maryknoll Letter to Father Roy:
https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/727/images/Maryknoll.pdf

Father Roy has been a priest for 39 years and a member of Maryknoll for 44 years. We cannot allow Maryknoll, pushed hard no doubt by fundamentalist forces of the institutional church in Rome, to silence a prophetic voice of conscience and justice. Galileo was silenced by the church in 1633 for saying the earth revolves around the sun and they did not admit their error and apologize until 360 years later in 1992. Truth and justice cannot be expected to wait that long.
Hundreds of priests already publicly support Father Roy’s right to speak his conscience. Thousands more women and men across the world support this issue and Father Roy as well. Maryknoll cannot and should not be party to a modern day silencing. Thank you for your action and solidarity. Please send me a copy of what you send Maryknoll and I will make sure Father Roy knows of your support.
Peace and justice,
Bill Quigley

Maryknoll Priest Faces Removal from the Priesthood; Receives Second Canonical Warning for His Support of Women’s Equality in the Catholic Church

Fr. Roy gave homily at Janice Sevre-Duszynska's
ordination in Lexington, KY in 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2011

Under pressure from the Vatican, the Maryknoll Catholic religious order has issued a second canonical warning to Fr. Roy Bourgeois stating he will be dismissed from the order and his priesthood if he does not recant his support for women priests. Fr. Roy responded to this latest threat: “As people of faith we believe in the primacy of conscience. Our conscience gives us a sense of right and wrong and urges us to do what is right, what is just. What you are asking me to do in your letter is not possible without betraying my conscience. In essence, you are telling me to lie. This I cannot do, therefore I will not recant. I firmly believe that the exclusion of women from the priesthood is a grave injustice against women, against our Church, and against our God.”
"The culture of bullying within the Catholic Church cannot be tolerated any longer," said, Erin Hanna, Executive Director of the Women’s Ordination Conference. “It is contrary to the gospel itself to bully and dismiss faithful priests who dare to break the silence in support of women's rightful role in the Church.”
“Jesus himself welcomed women as well as men into ministerial leadership,” said Jim FitzGerald, Call To Action’s Executive Director. “It is a shame that our church does not do likewise.”
"The Vatican does not excommunicate the pedophile-priests who have raped and sodomized Catholic youth, or punish the bishops who covered up these crimes. Yet, now in this outrageous action they stand ready to defrock Fr. Roy, priest of the people and prophet for justice who has served God for over 40 years as a well-known peace and justice activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, ” said Bridget Mary Meehan, from the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests. Suzanne Thiel of Roman Catholic Womenpriests-USA affirmed: “Regardless of personal consequences, Fr. Roy refuses to be cowed by men who support an unjust law that knowingly discriminates against half the Body of Christ. He sees the face of Jesus in his sisters.”An online petition, sponsored by the Association of Roman Catholic Womenpriests, Call To Action USA, and Roman Catholic Womenpriests–USA, Women's Ordination Conference, and co-sponsored by 15 church-justice organizations, has garnered over 8,000 signatures of Catholics across the globe and continues to build momentum.

###The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests are ordained women who live and minister in the United States and South America. The Association prepares and ordains qualified women to serve the people of God as priests and uses equal rites to promote equal rights to achieve justice for women in the church. For more information, visit www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
Contact: Bridget Mary Meehan, 703.505.0004

Call To Action (CTA) educates, inspires and activates Catholics to act for justice and build inclusive communities through a lens of anti-racism and anti-oppression principles. An independent national organization of over 25,000 people and 53 local chapters, CTA believes that the Spirit of God is at work in the whole church, not just in its appointed leaders. For more information, visit www.cta-usa.org
Contact: Nicole Sotelo, Director of Communications, 773.404.0004 x285

Roman Catholic Womenpriests USA’s mission is to spiritually prepare, ordain, and support women and men from all states of life, who are theologically qualified, who are committed to an inclusive model of Church, and who are called by the Holy Spirit and their communities to minister. For more information, visit www.romancatholicwomenpriests.org.
Contact: Suzanne Thiel, 503.784.3330

Women's Ordination Conference, founded in 1975, is the oldest and largest national organization that works to ordain women as priests, deacons and bishops into an inclusive and accountable Roman Catholic church. WOC represents the 63 percent of U.S. Catholics that support women's ordination. WOC also promotes perspectives on ordination that call for more accountability and less separation between the clergy and laity. For more information, visit www.womensordination.org.
Contact: Erin Saiz Hanna, Executive Director 202.675.1006 (office), 401.588.0457 (cell)

A Blessing for the Students and Teachers At The Good Shepherd Inclusive Catholic Community

A Blessing for the Students and Teachers At The Good Shepherd Inclusive Catholic Community

This week our children and youth returned to school here in Fort Myers, Florida. So, Sunday August 7th included a special blessing for both students and teachers. In a joyous celebration that held forty enthusiastic worshippers in our small housechurch, seventeen young people and two adults stood for a blessing. The students included Efe Cudjoe our Associate Teacher and Youth Worker who will be leaving for Brown University who came forth and received our gift of love and our "sending forth". The students ranged from our bright little Joelle who is finally in Pre-K to three High School Seniors, three Sophomores and Middle and Elemenatary Schoolers. Of the two men who were blessed one is starting a vocational program in plumbing and the other is a Professor at FGCU.We also welcomed back two of our older members who are in recovery from serious medical situations and we had a time for healing prayer as well. The Mass was in English and Spanish to accomodate our Latin Americans present. Three of our members, Pearl, Cyrillia and Lili provided an international hot meal for all that was truly a feast. They had dishes from Africa, St. Lucia and Italy. After the celebration and Sunday School, the students received school supplies and gifts of clothing to start school. They were expecting the supplies, but not the clothes and their expressions of gratitude were so heartfelt that we were truly moved by them. The word that best describes the entire day is "Alegria"-gladness,exultation. The pictures are taken just before the Mass with Efe standing just behind me, and the blessing and "sending forth" during Mass.

Living with Christ,

Pastor Judy

Rev. Dr. Judy Lee, ARCWP

Fort Myers, Florida

"Where in This World?" by Diana Milesko-- Celtic Spirituality for Women Today

Celtic Spiral of Life: Bru na Boine/Newgrange,Ireland

Where in This World”

by Diana Milesko


Where in this world does a woman turn, to find affirmation, guidance and peace?

Where to find unconditional love?

Where to find whispers of God?

No martyr I, nor suffering for God...

But little questions eat away my humanity.

What dignity have women? How reflect the immortal God-Presence?

Why shunned, shackled, shut down in vision, in love?

Look to Celtic Holy Women, so long ago, for inspiration.

Then look to women around me

finding virtures of those ancient Celts - everywhere.

Not canonized by papal decree but popular acclaim? - Much the better.

A true reflection of the God-Presence in all.

St. Ita of Killeedy, nurtured foster children; founded an abbey;

taught youngsters, including

Brendan the Navigator, who sailed to the Isle of the Blessed.

America?

So, too, my friend, E, offers true faith, simplicity and generosity.

Caring for a granddaughter who, at age four, contracted type 1 diabetes,

E generously shares the gifts given to her.

St. Monenna of Killeevy a healer and interceesor for Peace.

St. Patricks’ sister and Mother of St. Mel,

She taught, “Every failure in life can be blessed.”

So, too, my friend, Ursula,

who offered laughter, comfort and peace.

A sickly child sat on her lap,

a portly pillow, a “thin place”, where earth and heaven meet,

a place to cavort with God and Joy.

St. Melangell, patron of ecology and holistic healing.

So too, my friend, Johanna,

who decades ago, nursed a child to health,

canned blueberries and other delights from her garden.

Said, “Not sick? Go to a doctor, he’ll make you sick.”

Walked five miles, daily, up the mountain

to attend mass.

St. Cannera of Bantry Bay in County Cork, persistent;

she buttressed the dignity of women.

Her spirit reflects this safe harbor,

this “thin place”

where God the touches earth;

Years ago, my son and friends limped into Bantry Bay

their little sailboat,

tattered and damaged,

after capsizing in a Gale

while crossing the Atlantic.

God kept them safe.

I rejoice when St. Cannera says,

“Christ came to redeem women no less than men.

“Women, as well as men, can enter the heavenly kingdom.”

Faith is a community of equals assert the gospels;

St. Cannera - a strong and loving confrontation with male authority.

So, too, my friend, F,

Who left the Catholic Church, became a Buddhist,

wryly observing, “I can’t sing; but I chant well.”

F displays the kindness, humility, joy, and razor-sharp intellect

of an Intelligent Universe.

She inspires and challenges me.

St. Winefride fled persecution. Despite beheading, was restored to life;

a survivor; showed healing love and strength.

So, too, my friend Z, who bore the agony of infidelity;

then watched, helpless, from her office,

as friends perished in the World Trade Center on 9/11;

who woke, mornings afterwards,

blankets ripped apart by fingernails cutting into them;

as loss and grief cut into her heart.

Who showed strength; how women survive

in the face of violence, emotional and physical,

how they move on with dignity and peace,

despite cruelities and persecution.

Others: too many to dwell on.

Perhaps a list, a summary, or less;

but lives as meaningful and hopeful

reveal the Life-Force that guides us all.

St. Godnait of Ballyvourne, compassionate and forceful community member.

So, too, my friend J,

who welcomed me to a new community,

encouraged me, a “soul friend.”

St Dymphna of Achill Island fled from evil.

A survivor and healer.

So, too, my friend, H, who bears many illnesses and griefs with patience

yet eases my sorrows with advice and listening.

St. Non of Holy Birthing.

So, too, my friend, B,

who revealed natural childbirth and nursing

in an age of anesthetics and bottle fed babies.

What joys she unlocked!

St. Tegla, promoter of wellness and balance.

So, too, my friend, K, yoga teacher; runner; smiler;

“Don’t let that in your karma,” she says of negative thoughts.

And smiles again.

St. Dwynwen, patron of lovers.

So, too, my two-year-old grand-daughter, S.

I stoop to tie her shoe. She grasps my head for balance;

says, “I love you so much, Grannie.”

My heart soars; it reaches God and flutters down to earth.

I am healed.

St. Brigit of Kildare, Bishop invested by Bishop Mel, nephew of St. Patrick.

Symbol of wisdom; advocate of women’s roles,

healer, and Abbess of broad reaching powers.

Like a Druidic mother-godess, a woman of compassion, hospitality and charity.

So too, my friend, BMM,

who restores hope in God’s unconditional love,

offers comfort and

stands, a shining inspiration to the marginalized today.

St. Hilda of Whitby who nurtures giftedness.

So, too my friends, Antoinette and M,

who joyously embrace the responsibility of children;

loving them, teaching them,

being patient with them,

encouraging them.

These women, like Celtic Holy Women, they are the soul of God.

"Stifled by Weight of Rome's Pomp, Power and Stubborn Patriarchy" by Carol Hunt

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

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

http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

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

Catholic Group Based in Chicago Leads Protest Against Church/ New York Times

Historic Ordination of women priests in Sarasota, Florida

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/31/us/31cnccatholics.html?pagewanted=2&emc=eta1

"...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?”

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

http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

sofiabmm@aol.com

"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

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

"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

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

www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

"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

“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

rhythmsofthedance@msn.com

859-684-4247

Bridget Mary Meehan-

sofiabmm@aol.com,

703-505-0004

Judy Lee

judyabl@embarqmail.com,

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