http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/religion/article/Why-I-am-becoming-a-woman-priest-2163726.php
By Adele Jones/Special to the Express-News
"Today, in a beautiful ceremony in Falls Church, Va., I will be ordained a Roman Catholic woman priest.
Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan will be the ordaining bishop.
I realize the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church does not recognize my ordination into the all-male priesthood
Since the Catholic Church will not let the ceremony take place in a Catholic setting, it will be held at the First Christian Church.
We'll use the same ordination rites that the Catholic Church uses for men.
My two sons and several friends will be there. I will be the first woman in San Antonio and in Texas to be ordained as a Roman Catholic woman priest. And I will be the oldest at age 84.
More than a year ago, the pope approved a new church law that called the ordination of women as priests a “grave crime.”
This announcement put female priests in the same category as male pedophile priests. Both were committing grave crimes, according to the Vatican.
But here's the difference.
Pedophile priests — who sexually abuse young, innocent children — are frequently allowed to stay in the church. Women who choose to become ordained priests are excommunicated. Clearly, this is a man-made rule by all-male leaders in the Catholic hierarchy to keep their grip on power.
It was this announcement more than a year ago that motivated my decision to take the step that I am presently taking. My conscience tells me that this is the right thing to do. I know the consequences ahead of me for being ordained. But I believe them to be unjust.
Along with more than 120 women from all over the world, I am confronting the injustice of the present-day Roman Catholic Church. Together, we have formed a new type of priestly ministry, one that is nonauthoritarian. It is a ministry of justice and equality. And none are excluded.
The Catholic Church continues to ignore its faithful who are leaving the church in large numbers. A poll last year by the New York Times/CBS found that 59 percent of Catholics are in favor of ordaining women priests.
Bishop Meehan calls us “the Rosa Parks” of the Catholic Church. In an all-male system, we refuse to accept second-class status. As women priests, we are required to be theologically educated, and we are. Many of us have served in highly qualified Church positions.
I was baptized into and educated in the Catholic Church. I have two master's degrees in theology, including the same master's of divinity required for male ordination. My doctorate is in ministry in the specialized area of pastoral counseling.
Along with my sister priests, I refuse to accept excommunication from a church that ousts women but continues to protect male priests who do dreadful and irreparable harm to innocent children.
When I was 7 years old, my cousin Walter was my dearest friend and playmate. He was several years older than me. And one day I said to his mother, “Aunt Elsie, when I grow up, I am going to marry your son Walter.”
Aunt Elsie said, “Oh, honey, you can't marry Walter. He is your first cousin. It is a rule you can't marry your first cousin.”
“Who made the rule?” I questioned.
“The pope made the rule,” Aunt Elsie replied.
Undaunted, I continued, “Well, what is the pope's address?”
Now, 77 years later, I remain undaunted."
Living Gospel Inclusivity and Empowerment Now- https://bridgetmarys.blogspot.com/2025/10/rev-dr-bridget-mary-meehan-arcwp-chat.html
Saturday, September 10, 2011
"Catholic Hierarchy Wrong, Women Should by Ordained" by Donna Rougeux in Lexington Herald Tribune
Janice Sevre-Duszynska, Jules Hart
and Donna Rougeux (right)
http://www.kentucky.com/2011/09/10/1876391/catholic-hierarchy-wrong-women.html
I am a Roman Catholic woman, married with three teenage children. My roots in the United Church of Christ gave me a strong foundation of Christian beliefs and practices. With this background, one would not expect that I am on a path to being ordained a Roman Catholic priest. I was the last to know that this was possible, and that God would call me to this vocation.
As a young Protestant girl, I remember asking a Catholic neighbor what a nun was. "She is someone who gives her life to God," she answered.
Moved by her response, I wanted to know if I could become a nun. Her answer disappointed me, yet the idea of giving my life to God never left me.
Years later, I became Catholic when I discovered how much I loved the liturgy and the opportunity to receive communion every day. I called myself a Vatican II Catholic, and I struggled with those who thought the pre-Vatican II church superior.
Sometimes my Protestant roots would surface when I encountered the hierarchy's abuse of authority. Resonating with Martin Luther, I found myself speaking out and trying to right the wrongs I saw happening in this church that I loved.
I graduated from Lexington Theological Seminary in 2009.In July 2010, the Vatican issued a document about pedophile priests. In the very last paragraph, ordaining women was compared to the criminal act of pedophilia and both were called "grave offenses against the faith."
I could not believe what I read. How could ordaining women called by God to priesthood be compared to pedophilia, which caused immeasurable suffering to innocent children?
As I reflected on the male hierarchy's attack against women, I was in a crisis. My experience had led me to hear God's call to ministry as a hospice chaplain. Should I become an Episcopalian?
Running away was not the answer. I knew I needed to stay and work for reform.
I talked with a friend who is an Anglican priest about my struggle. I told her that deacons in the Roman Catholic Church should be allowed to administer the sacrament of Anointing the Sick. In the midst of this conversation she said, "It sounds like God is calling you to be a deacon."
Hearing those words, I realized that I could no longer deny the truth of God's call. I was in a religious culture whose idolatry of maleness oppressed women and denied their call from God.
Today, I will be ordained a deacon by Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan of the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests. Next spring, I will become what God has always intended for me: a priest.
It's humbling and empowering to be part of a prophetic movement that is transforming the Roman Catholic Church. My joy is full of the freedom that perhaps Rosa Parks felt in standing up against racism. Our brothers at the Vatican will say that this action excommunicates me, but I share this status with a long list of saints.
Donna Rougeux lives in Lexington.
Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2011/09/10/1876391/catholic-hierarchy-wrong-women.html#ixzz1XYhYkkhl
Thursday, September 8, 2011
"Cheshire Woman To Realize Dream of Becoming a Roman Catholic Priest"/ New Haven Register
CHESHIRE — "Dorothy Shugrue will fulfill a lifelong dream Saturday when she is ordained a Roman Catholic priest, even if the official church hierarchy won’t acknowledge her achievement.Shugrue’s call to the priesthood, however, is not from the church — it’s from God and the people of God, she says, and so she will consider herself just as much a priest as any man.She is a former nun and works at the Morris Foundation Waterbury as a counselor to pregnant women and new mothers with substance abuse and mental health issues. But Shugrue has always wanted to be a priest who can perform the sacraments.
“I was a justice of the peace when I was a nun, so I could marry people, because the college kids were always asking for me to marry them,” she says. “And then I got one of those ministry things online. ... I’ve done many weddings — all civil ceremonies of course — and actually I’ve done blessings of children, baptisms, naming ceremonies, funerals, all of that.”Shugrue, 68, doesn’t have the blessing of Archbishop Henry Mansell, but she was once in the Archdiocese of Hartford’s good graces. She was appointed a chaplain at St. Joseph’s College in Hartford by then-Archbishop John Whealon, after serving in a similar role at the University of Bridgeport.“And also (Whealon) gave me permission to conduct a Communion service (using consecrated bread and wine) on Sundays if I couldn’t get a priest, because even then it was hard to have priests come in to celebrate,” Shugrue says.Shugrue actually is already a priest, in a small but growing denomination called the Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church. But her Irish heritage and love for the Roman church, especially after the reforms of Vatican II, led her to seek ordination in her spiritual home.As she told her mother: “I’m Irish, Mother, I can’t leave the church.” And despite threats of excommunication from the hierarchy for anyone who supports women’s ordination, Shugrue doesn’t believe she has left or will leave the Catholic Church behind.“We consider ourselves fully members of the Roman Catholic Church and we consider ourselves legitimate priests because we follow the line of succession,” says Shugrue of her sisters in the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests. “Male bishops ordained our first women … male bishops that were in good standing in the Roman Catholic Church.” Continued...
“I was a justice of the peace when I was a nun, so I could marry people, because the college kids were always asking for me to marry them,” she says. “And then I got one of those ministry things online. ... I’ve done many weddings — all civil ceremonies of course — and actually I’ve done blessings of children, baptisms, naming ceremonies, funerals, all of that.”Shugrue, 68, doesn’t have the blessing of Archbishop Henry Mansell, but she was once in the Archdiocese of Hartford’s good graces. She was appointed a chaplain at St. Joseph’s College in Hartford by then-Archbishop John Whealon, after serving in a similar role at the University of Bridgeport.“And also (Whealon) gave me permission to conduct a Communion service (using consecrated bread and wine) on Sundays if I couldn’t get a priest, because even then it was hard to have priests come in to celebrate,” Shugrue says.Shugrue actually is already a priest, in a small but growing denomination called the Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church. But her Irish heritage and love for the Roman church, especially after the reforms of Vatican II, led her to seek ordination in her spiritual home.As she told her mother: “I’m Irish, Mother, I can’t leave the church.” And despite threats of excommunication from the hierarchy for anyone who supports women’s ordination, Shugrue doesn’t believe she has left or will leave the Catholic Church behind.“We consider ourselves fully members of the Roman Catholic Church and we consider ourselves legitimate priests because we follow the line of succession,” says Shugrue of her sisters in the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests. “Male bishops ordained our first women … male bishops that were in good standing in the Roman Catholic Church.” Continued...
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Courageous Austrian Priests Attract Worldwide Support as More Male Priests Promote Women's Ordination/A Catholic Rebellion?
The Austrian Priests Initiative..." now numbers 400 priests – roughly one in 10 – and 12,000 active supporters. In his many media interviews within the last three weeks, Mgr Schüller has confirmed that he has received support from all over the world, in particular from Brazil, the US, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy and Mexico. The international reactions showed that the Vatican was “obviously” faced with problems worldwide and that “our concerns are certainly not Mickey Mouse issues”, Mgr Schüller said on 25 August. He admitted that the Initiative had also come in for some very sharp criticism. “Some want to throw us out of the Catholic Church altogether and even go so far as to curse us. They call us schismatics and rebels who are destroying the Church,” he told the weekly News magazine."
"Cardinal Schönborn returned to Vienna on 29 August and sources close to him say he is extremely worried. It is rumoured that he has little alternative but to suspend the leading rebels, but there are fears that this may lead to a schism as the latest poll (by the Oekonsult Institute commissioned by the Austrian Press Agency) shows that 76.5 per cent of Austrians back the Initiative. Bishop Egon Kapellari of Graz, the number two in the Austrian bishops’ conference, told Profil in Cardinal Schönborn’s absence that questions like mandatory priestly celibacy or women’s ordination which the Priests’ Initiative wanted to see discussed were “tasks which lie before us and which we have to master in the long term but which cannot be adequately answered in the short term”.
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/161660
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Bishop Christine Mayr- Lumetzberger of Austria is one of the first women ordained as a bishop by a male bishop in apostolic succession. Bishop Christine, RCWP, has presided at liturgies with male priests in Austria. So perhaps, we are witnessing the emergence of a grassroots solidarity and partnership in Austria that will be an inspiration for supportive priests elsewhere.
Let's hope we are reaching tipping point? It is a joy to see our brother priests around the world standing up for justice and equality for women in our church, and in support of women's ordination!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/
"Cardinal Schönborn returned to Vienna on 29 August and sources close to him say he is extremely worried. It is rumoured that he has little alternative but to suspend the leading rebels, but there are fears that this may lead to a schism as the latest poll (by the Oekonsult Institute commissioned by the Austrian Press Agency) shows that 76.5 per cent of Austrians back the Initiative. Bishop Egon Kapellari of Graz, the number two in the Austrian bishops’ conference, told Profil in Cardinal Schönborn’s absence that questions like mandatory priestly celibacy or women’s ordination which the Priests’ Initiative wanted to see discussed were “tasks which lie before us and which we have to master in the long term but which cannot be adequately answered in the short term”.
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/161660
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Bishop Christine Mayr- Lumetzberger of Austria is one of the first women ordained as a bishop by a male bishop in apostolic succession. Bishop Christine, RCWP, has presided at liturgies with male priests in Austria. So perhaps, we are witnessing the emergence of a grassroots solidarity and partnership in Austria that will be an inspiration for supportive priests elsewhere.
Let's hope we are reaching tipping point? It is a joy to see our brother priests around the world standing up for justice and equality for women in our church, and in support of women's ordination!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/
Monday, September 5, 2011
Homily for 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: 9/2/11 by Pastor Judy Lee, ARCWP
Pastor Judy Lee and Good Shepherd Community,
Ft. Myers, Florida
"Blessed be the Tie that Binds"
Today we are told how to live in loving community, especially how to proceed when there is trouble for or with any one of us. There is a hymn I learned a long while ago and I will teach it to you today-these are some of the words:
"Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love:the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above...
We share each other's woes,
Our mutual burdens bear,
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares...
When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain:but we shall still be joined in heart ,and hope to meet again."
As I rehearsed this song to teach you tears ran down my face and my voice cracked as I recalled the church and the Pastors and members that I grew up in and whose love continues to nurture: to correct and nurture.
(Here I will place on the altar some pictures of my Pastors and peers, two of whom I just visited in NY where our beloved Pastor struggles with advancing Parkinson's desease).
What I learned then, and I know now is that we not only speak a word of guidance or"correction" in love- spoken otherwise it can hurt more than help. But there are times that it must be spoken. Ezekiel was told that if he did not preach the prophetic word (to God's people collectively (and I think individually) the guilt was "on him". The Psalm tells us that God is our shepherd reaching out to us when we get lost. And I'm so glad because I have no sense of direction! But as we follow Jesus we learn that we must be the good shepherds for one another.
Paul tells the church in Rome that love fulfills the Law, and never hurts anyone. And Jesus tells us how to win a sister or brother back in love one- on- one when a trust has been broken, and if that doesn't work, go with a few and try again and if that doesn't work it is the business of the whole church. And if not heeded, we are to regard that person as an outsider/gentile or tax collector/ fraud or sinner then it will be left up to God. God intervenes and heals and includes as Jesus did with those persons. Wow!!
Here we have it: first, be a loving community and then in that love if there is a probelm to be resolved act directly and in love and with a process. And if together we can't fix it, God can. And then in the Gospel there are the verses used by the Church usually regarding the priest's binding or loosing of sins-but in the total context here, I think it is not "sins to be bound or loosed/forgiven" only (and clearly that is the community's job in this Gospel), but it is PEOPLE who must be bound in love to a community, a church, and the tie that binds us together is Jesus' love and therefore, it lasts forever. The Scriptures go on, if you can AGREE together, in prayer, including the prayer of your communal life, Jesus is in the midst. Wow!
There is another hymn sung in the EpiscopalLutheran church that supports us with their love that now rings in my ears: "bind us together, God, with ties that cannot be broken-bind us together in love!" Yes! in love and guidance and 'correction' like the prophets of old and our Brother Jesus teaches: Bind us together! And Blessed be the tie that binds! AMEN
Love and peace,
Pastor Judy Lee. ARCWP
Church of the Good Shepherd Inclusive Catholic Community
Ft. Myers, Florida
Association of Romann Catholic Women Priests
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/
Saturday, September 3, 2011
"Austria's Moment of Truth"/The Tablet Editorial/Time for Women Priests and End to Mandatory Celibacy
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/161660
Editorial
Austria’s moment of truth 3 September 2011
..." It is fortunate that the man with the responsibility to defuse it, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna, is one of the Church’s most able leaders who is inevitably being looked at as a possible successor to Pope Benedict. The reason the protest movement – called the “Austrian Priests’ Initiative” – is so potent is precisely because of the truth of so much of what it is saying. The priests are drawing attention to the wide and growing disconnection between the norms of official church teaching, and everyday Catholic life as lived by many of the clergy and laity. ..What is lacking at the moment is evidence that the Church is able to move on, amid too many signs that it would prefer to go backwards.Bishop Egon Kapellari of Graz urged the priests to be patient, as the issues being raised were “tasks which lie before us and which we have to master in the long term”. As it happens, no one is better placed than Cardinal Schönborn to find ways of overcoming the present impasse, which has become a threat to the Church’s unity. The pastoral pragmatism and Nelsonian blindness that held things together may have worked for a while, but the next generation want something better, something more honest. It is not fair to leave them with no other choices than to leave the Church in indifference or despair, or to opt for a quirky and fastidious traditionalism. That is not what the young people in Madrid were looking for."
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Kudos to the Austrian church for taking on the issues that must be addressed by the Catholic believers everywhere! It is time for genuine reform and open dialogue. It is time for an end to mandatory celibacy and it is time for women priests- no matter what the pope says! It is a joy to know that now priests and bishops are coming on board our movement for justice and equality for women in the church!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
Editorial
Austria’s moment of truth 3 September 2011
..." It is fortunate that the man with the responsibility to defuse it, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna, is one of the Church’s most able leaders who is inevitably being looked at as a possible successor to Pope Benedict. The reason the protest movement – called the “Austrian Priests’ Initiative” – is so potent is precisely because of the truth of so much of what it is saying. The priests are drawing attention to the wide and growing disconnection between the norms of official church teaching, and everyday Catholic life as lived by many of the clergy and laity. ..What is lacking at the moment is evidence that the Church is able to move on, amid too many signs that it would prefer to go backwards.Bishop Egon Kapellari of Graz urged the priests to be patient, as the issues being raised were “tasks which lie before us and which we have to master in the long term”. As it happens, no one is better placed than Cardinal Schönborn to find ways of overcoming the present impasse, which has become a threat to the Church’s unity. The pastoral pragmatism and Nelsonian blindness that held things together may have worked for a while, but the next generation want something better, something more honest. It is not fair to leave them with no other choices than to leave the Church in indifference or despair, or to opt for a quirky and fastidious traditionalism. That is not what the young people in Madrid were looking for."
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Kudos to the Austrian church for taking on the issues that must be addressed by the Catholic believers everywhere! It is time for genuine reform and open dialogue. It is time for an end to mandatory celibacy and it is time for women priests- no matter what the pope says! It is a joy to know that now priests and bishops are coming on board our movement for justice and equality for women in the church!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
Association for the Rights of Catholics in the Church Support Austrian Priests' Call for Reform
"The Association for the Rights of Catholics in the Church (ARCC) stands in solidaritywith the right of the priests of Austria to strongly voice what they believe are theneeds of the people of the church regarding married clergy, women priests,
Eucharistic hospitality, and other reforms."
Eucharistic hospitality, and other reforms."
"These priests are prepared to face the consequences of the decisions they have
made in conscience. The needs they express are echoed around the world. Rather
than strict penalties being imposed, a response of open discussion and loving actionis called for.
We encourage all faithful Catholics to think deeply on these matters, and to call theirpastors and bishops to a responsive action which goes to the heart of true need."
For more information, contact
Patrick Edgar, DPA, President
Association for the Rights of Catholics in the Church (ARCC)
3150 Newgate Drive
Florissant, MO 63033
Phone: 1-877-700-ARCC (2722)
Fax: 1-877-700-2722
Email: arcc@arccsites.org
Patrick Edgar, DPA, President
Association for the Rights of Catholics in the Church (ARCC)
3150 Newgate Drive
Florissant, MO 63033
Phone: 1-877-700-ARCC (2722)
Fax: 1-877-700-2722
Email: arcc@arccsites.org
Friday, September 2, 2011
"A German Pope Heads for the Land of Luther"/"Unity With But Not Under the Pope"
by John L Allen Jr on Sep. 02, 2011
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/german-pope-heads-land-luther
..."Benedict XVI may be as Catholic as they come, but he’s also deeply German, and he obviously feels a streak of affection for his country’s most celebrated theological son. Part of the drama of the trip, therefore, is how Benedict may use it to recalibrate relations with Protestantism heading into the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.
Ecumenically, the highlight should come with a Sept. 23 visit to an Augustinian monastery in Erfurt, about two hours by car southwest of Berlin, where Luther lived from 1501 to 1511 while studying at the local university. (For the record, First, Ratzinger agreed that the goal of the ecumenical process is unity in diversity, not structural reintegration. “This was important to many Lutherans in Germany, who worried that the final aim of all this was coming back to Rome,” On that basis, the working group retooled the Joint Declaration to satisfy concerns on both sides. ..The final version came in the form of three documents: the Joint Declaration itself, an “official common statement” indicating how the two parties understand the Joint Declaration, and an “annex” in which the points raised in the response were addressed as well as additional concerns from the Lutheran side. The statement asserted that “consensus in basic truths of the doctrine of justification exists between Lutherans and Catholics.”
...All signs suggest that sensitivities remain a bit raw. Recently, German Lutheran theologian Reinhard Frieling suggested that Benedict XVI might be declared an “honorary head of Christianity.” That, of course, falls far short of the “full, immediate and universal ordinary power in the church” asserted for the Roman Pontiff in canon law, but even so, Frieling’s suggestion produced such a backlash in Lutheran circles that he was forced to clarify that he supports “unity with, but not under, the pope.”
Yet the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification remains the ecumenical agreement in which Pope Benedict XVI was most intimately involved, first as a critic and then as its savior. As such, it illustrates both the doubts and the hopes that the first German pope in 500 years will carry with him on his homecoming later this month."
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/german-pope-heads-land-luther
..."Benedict XVI may be as Catholic as they come, but he’s also deeply German, and he obviously feels a streak of affection for his country’s most celebrated theological son. Part of the drama of the trip, therefore, is how Benedict may use it to recalibrate relations with Protestantism heading into the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.
Ecumenically, the highlight should come with a Sept. 23 visit to an Augustinian monastery in Erfurt, about two hours by car southwest of Berlin, where Luther lived from 1501 to 1511 while studying at the local university. (For the record, First, Ratzinger agreed that the goal of the ecumenical process is unity in diversity, not structural reintegration. “This was important to many Lutherans in Germany, who worried that the final aim of all this was coming back to Rome,” On that basis, the working group retooled the Joint Declaration to satisfy concerns on both sides. ..The final version came in the form of three documents: the Joint Declaration itself, an “official common statement” indicating how the two parties understand the Joint Declaration, and an “annex” in which the points raised in the response were addressed as well as additional concerns from the Lutheran side. The statement asserted that “consensus in basic truths of the doctrine of justification exists between Lutherans and Catholics.”
...All signs suggest that sensitivities remain a bit raw. Recently, German Lutheran theologian Reinhard Frieling suggested that Benedict XVI might be declared an “honorary head of Christianity.” That, of course, falls far short of the “full, immediate and universal ordinary power in the church” asserted for the Roman Pontiff in canon law, but even so, Frieling’s suggestion produced such a backlash in Lutheran circles that he was forced to clarify that he supports “unity with, but not under, the pope.”
Yet the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification remains the ecumenical agreement in which Pope Benedict XVI was most intimately involved, first as a critic and then as its savior. As such, it illustrates both the doubts and the hopes that the first German pope in 500 years will carry with him on his homecoming later this month."
A Bulletin From a Church Led By a Womanpriest -Chava Redonnet
Oscar Romero Inclusive Catholic Church
Bulletin for Sunday, September 4, 2011
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Friends,
Each week when we go out west of the city to celebrate Mass with a group of migrant farmworkers, we start the Mass at about 8 pm. I had thought that as the days grew shorter we would start earlier, but I learned that their workday stays the same even though its dark earlier. Folks get home at 6:30 and everyone needs to eat and shower before Mass – fifteen people livingin a house with only one shower. I keep starting Mass at 8. These days, we open the door of the house to have light to see by. Its okay,we still have a lovely Mass! There are several men who are there every week, and several other men and women who are there now and then. One of the men who is always there is Santiago, a man of about 60. One week I was surprised when he wasn't there, and asked why. The others explained that he was working late, plantingonions. About 9 pm he came in, just as the Mass was ending, covered with dirt and sweat and not having had his supper. When we sing that hymn with the line, “all who labor without rest. I think of Santiago. This coming Monday we will celebrate Labor Day.
Some of us will march with the farmworkers contingent in the parade, wearing red bandanas to show solidarity with the farm workers. Meet at the corner of Sibley Place and East Ave by 10:15 on Monday morning, September 5, if you would like to join us. Last week I went with a group from the Presbytery to visit some farms. One of the questions people asked was, “Why do you hire people from other countries to do this work? The farmers explained that they can't find people from here that are willing to do the work and when they do, they usually last about three hours. (A man named Tom Rivers wrote a great little book called Farm Hands about his experience trying to do the work the migrants do. He stuck with it, lost 40 lbs, and by the end of the summer was almost as fast as the slowest of the migrant farm workers. It is hard work!) One of the farmers offered her opinion that besides being difficult, farm work does not have much status. Without farm workers, there would be no food on our tables. Someone needs to plant it, weed it, harvest it, package it.
Let us recognize the dignity and worth of that work. Let us work to change the laws, so that peopledon't get punished for coming here to do it! T
hank you, farm workers, for all that you do. And thank you to all workers. Where would we be without the work you do?
The work that everyone one of us does, paid and unpaid.
Work is love made manifest as that positive energy that creates and maintains the things weneed for life. Thank you for the work you do.
Blessings and love to all, Chava
Two of our workers from St Joeâ's,
Rachael Morlock and Joe Lavoie, are in Washington DC to protest the oil pipeline that is proposed to take oil fromthe tar sands in Canada all the way to Texas. Blessings on your journey,
Rachael and Joe. May it bring a bit more light to the world. Peace activist Kathy Kelly is coming to town, again.
She and David Smith-Ferri will give a talk entitled "The Cost of War, the Price ofPeace" at Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N Fitzhugh St, on Tuesday, Sept.13, 2011 at 7:00 pm. St Romeros is almost one year old!
Our first Mass was held on September19 of last year.
Shall we celebrate? Come and join us for Mass on Sunday, September 18 at 11, and bring a dish to pass if you like for lunchafterwards. Maybe we could have a cake in the shape of a 1!
Many thanks to Mike Reimringer who is sending out the bulletin this week, while Rachael is in Washington protesting the pipeline. Come and join us, any Sunday you like! Oscar Romero Church An Inclusive Church in the Catholic Tradition Mass: Sundays, 11 am St Joseph's House of Hospitality, 402 South Ave, RochesterNY 14620
For more information:
chava@localnet.com
Bulletin for Sunday, September 4, 2011
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Friends,
Each week when we go out west of the city to celebrate Mass with a group of migrant farmworkers, we start the Mass at about 8 pm. I had thought that as the days grew shorter we would start earlier, but I learned that their workday stays the same even though its dark earlier. Folks get home at 6:30 and everyone needs to eat and shower before Mass – fifteen people livingin a house with only one shower. I keep starting Mass at 8. These days, we open the door of the house to have light to see by. Its okay,we still have a lovely Mass! There are several men who are there every week, and several other men and women who are there now and then. One of the men who is always there is Santiago, a man of about 60. One week I was surprised when he wasn't there, and asked why. The others explained that he was working late, plantingonions. About 9 pm he came in, just as the Mass was ending, covered with dirt and sweat and not having had his supper. When we sing that hymn with the line, “all who labor without rest. I think of Santiago. This coming Monday we will celebrate Labor Day.
Some of us will march with the farmworkers contingent in the parade, wearing red bandanas to show solidarity with the farm workers. Meet at the corner of Sibley Place and East Ave by 10:15 on Monday morning, September 5, if you would like to join us. Last week I went with a group from the Presbytery to visit some farms. One of the questions people asked was, “Why do you hire people from other countries to do this work? The farmers explained that they can't find people from here that are willing to do the work and when they do, they usually last about three hours. (A man named Tom Rivers wrote a great little book called Farm Hands about his experience trying to do the work the migrants do. He stuck with it, lost 40 lbs, and by the end of the summer was almost as fast as the slowest of the migrant farm workers. It is hard work!) One of the farmers offered her opinion that besides being difficult, farm work does not have much status. Without farm workers, there would be no food on our tables. Someone needs to plant it, weed it, harvest it, package it.
Let us recognize the dignity and worth of that work. Let us work to change the laws, so that peopledon't get punished for coming here to do it! T
hank you, farm workers, for all that you do. And thank you to all workers. Where would we be without the work you do?
The work that everyone one of us does, paid and unpaid.
Work is love made manifest as that positive energy that creates and maintains the things weneed for life. Thank you for the work you do.
Blessings and love to all, Chava
Two of our workers from St Joeâ's,
Rachael Morlock and Joe Lavoie, are in Washington DC to protest the oil pipeline that is proposed to take oil fromthe tar sands in Canada all the way to Texas. Blessings on your journey,
Rachael and Joe. May it bring a bit more light to the world. Peace activist Kathy Kelly is coming to town, again.
She and David Smith-Ferri will give a talk entitled "The Cost of War, the Price ofPeace" at Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N Fitzhugh St, on Tuesday, Sept.13, 2011 at 7:00 pm. St Romeros is almost one year old!
Our first Mass was held on September19 of last year.
Shall we celebrate? Come and join us for Mass on Sunday, September 18 at 11, and bring a dish to pass if you like for lunchafterwards. Maybe we could have a cake in the shape of a 1!
Many thanks to Mike Reimringer who is sending out the bulletin this week, while Rachael is in Washington protesting the pipeline. Come and join us, any Sunday you like! Oscar Romero Church An Inclusive Church in the Catholic Tradition Mass: Sundays, 11 am St Joseph's House of Hospitality, 402 South Ave, RochesterNY 14620
For more information:
chava@localnet.com
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Cardinal Levada to Retire?
http://calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=95831cc4-f7a0-4fba-b329-305856a37fe3
Published: August 31, 2011
Cardinal Levada to retire?
"Italian newspaper says former San Francisco archbishop wants this year to be his last as guardian of Catholic orthodoxy. Pope Benedict XVI will need to find a new prefect for the Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith – “the most delicate department head of the Roman Curia” – early next year, the Italian dailyLa Stampa reports. The newspaper is known for its “Vatican Insider” project, staffed by experienced journalists well connected to sources inside the Holy See. In its Aug. 25 edition, La Stampa’s “Vatican Insider” reported that Cardinal Joseph Levada, who turned 75 on June 15, has made it known “he does not wish to remain in the position beyond the end of 2011.”
New Book by John Wijngaards: "Amrutha"; Eye-Popping Read Challenges Catholic Church on Natural Law!
You find more information about the book and its background on http://www.thepopesman.com/.
Since the book is quite large (a long tale of 544 pages!), it is worth ordering a copy directly from the publisher with a 35% reduction.
For the USA: click here!
For the UK (Europe): click here!
Our academic advisor, John Wijngaards, has published a book called AMRUTHA.
What the Pope’s man found out about the Law of Nature, Author House 2011. The unusual feature about this book is that it presents a ‘theological story’.
The areas of Christian sexual ethics and the role of women in the Church both touch on natural law.
In recent decades Pope after Pope has appealed to natural law to impose painful prohibitions. Contraceptives may never ever be used in planning the family. Why? They ‘go against the law of nature’. . . Homosexual intimacy is always ‘intrinsically evil’ as a sin against natural law. . . Women’s nature defines and restricts their role . . .
What is at stake?
Theologians in the Middle Ages revamped the notion of ‘natural law’ already discussed by the Greeks and the Romans a thousand years earlier. The idea was: when God created humankind, he/she laid down a law in their nature. For instance: you may not kill needlessly. And no one may ever transgress the law of the Creator. In our time the principle resurfaced as the dignity of the person, as human rights; becoming a useful starting point for international agreements. However, the problem is: what does fall under natural law?
The traditional norms for deciding what is natural and what is not, are purely arbitrary. Thomas Aquinas, for example, worked out that poligamy, a husband marrying more wives, though not ideal, does not go against natural law, while natural law totally forbids a woman to have more husbands. Surely mutilating the male sexual organs is against natural law, you would think? No, not so obvious. Enter the castrati, male singers castrated before puberty so that they retained their high soprano voices. Pope Clement VIII declared it was not against natural law. The ethics of natural law have in past centuries mistakenly been used by the Church to justify slavery, the colonial conquest of nations, the inferior status of women, torture and wars of aggression.
Back to 'Amrutha'
Wijngaards wrote the book thinking: what would happen if a naïve monsignor from Rome would try to implement utter fidelity to natural law in everyday life? Also: what do the celibate lawgivers in Rome really know of the lives of ordinary people, especially the lives of women? The main character in his story - Mgr. Shamus McKenna - demonstrates what might take place. His quest for the truth brings him to explore options that he never considered before. He meets extraordinary women who invariably push out his boundaries. At every point his determination to follow natural law leads him into more murky and untested waters of sex, morality, heroism, and women’s lives. His salvation lies in Amrutha whose name means: nectar & immortal. She is a fighter: resourceful, intelligent, able to overcome incredible challenges. With her he eventually finds out that for human! beings 'natural law' is the use of reason, that is: of our conscience.
We hope the book will amuse and enlighten many readers. Please, pass this information on to other lists and channels. Thanks!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
"Austrian priests Defy Catholic Church, Face Showdown"/ Movement of Holy Spirit Rocking Catholic Church: A Holy Shakeup, Indeed!
By Tom Heneghan, Religion Editor
PARIS Wed Aug 31, 2011 7:52pm IST
PARIS (Reuters) - "Dissident Austrian priests defying their Catholic Church with calls for married clergy, women priests and other reforms enjoy wide public support, according to a new poll on a dispute that could lead to their dismissal.
Three-quarters of people polled in the traditionally Catholic country backed the priests' "Call to Disobedience," a manifesto that Vienna Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn compares to a football ..."Dissident leader Rev Helmut Schueller, who as Vienna vicar general was Schoenborn's deputy from 1995 to 1999 and once led the Austrian chapter of the international Catholic charity Caritas, has said he has no intention of giving up.He says many priests are already quietly breaking the rules anyway, often with the knowledge of their bishops, and his campaign aims to force the hierarchy to agree to change. About 8 percent of Austrian priests have supported his movement."
SOLID SUPPORT FOR SCHUELLER
"The survey published this week by the Oekonsult polling group showed 76 percent of Austrians queried supported Schueller and his colleagues. Some 85 percent said the Church should not do anything to drive away its reform-minded members.While the poll was not limited to Catholics, 70 percent of the respondents said the Church and its leaders were "a very important moral authority" for them. Some 66 percent said they liked Schoenborn personally.
Schueller is now a parish priest and university chaplain in Vienna. If he is dismissed, 97 percent of those polled said, a "very large wave" of people leaving the Church would follow.
A record 87,000 Austrians left the Church in 2010, many in reaction to sexual abuse scandals there.In the past year, over 800 people have registered complaints of molestation by priests after the sexual abuse scandals rocking the Church in Ireland, Belgium and other European countries also broke out in Austria."
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Catholics in Austria are supporting their priests who are calling for genuine reform of a church in deep crisis over the fallout from the cover-up of the sexual abuse of thousands of youth.
Brava, Fr. Schueller, and the 300+ priests in Austria who are leading this spiritual rebellion to reform the Catholic Church. Thank you for your courageous call for women priests and married priests. The full equality of women in the church is the voice of God in our time. 'Injustice anywhere", as Martin Luther King reminded us, is a "threat to justice everywhere."So too in the Catholic Church!
It is time to end clericalism and empower the people of God. Your call to disobedience is a prophetic act of faithfulness to the Gospel of Jesus. It is the movement of the Holy Spirit rocking the Catholic Church. It is about time for this holy shakeup!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
Historic Ordination of Roman Catholic Women Priests in Washington DC Area/Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
Release date: August 29, 2011
Contact: Janice Sevre-Duszynska at 859-684-4247, rhythmsofthedance@msn.com
Bridget Mary Meehan, 703-671-6712, 703-505-0004, sofiabmm@aol.com
See http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/
http://bridgetmarys.blogspot.com/
On Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. Adele Decker Jones of San Antonio, Texas and Dorothy Shugrue of Cheshire, Connecticut will be ordained priests. Donna LeMaster Rougeux of Lexington, Kentucky will be ordained a deacon in a historic "first" in Virginia. The presiding bishop will be Bridget Mary Meehan. The ceremony will take place at First Christian Church, 6165 Leesburg Pike~Falls Church, VA 22044 www.fccfc.org (Check their website for directions). Prior to Ordination, at 1:30 p.m. in the Social Hall, theologian and archaeologist Dorothy Irvin, whose ground-breaking research reveals evidence of women deacons, priests and even bishops has provided a historic foundation for our movement, will give a lecture with slides on Women's Ordination in the Early Church.
The ordinands are theologically prepared and have many years of experience in ministry. Adele worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Dorothy, a former member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, served as a Roman Catholic College Chaplain and presently serves as a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Chaplain. Donna ministers to the sick and dying and their families as a hospice chaplain.
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."
The Women Priests movement in the Roman Catholic Church advocates a new model of priestly ministry united with the people with whom we minister. We stand in prophetic obedience to Jesus who calls women and men to be disciples and equals. The movement began with the ordination of seven women on the Danube in 2002. Today there are over 124 in the movement worldwide. ARCWP is in the United States and Latin America. Our specific charism within the broader global Roman Catholic Women Priests initiative is to live Gospel equality and justice for women in the church and in society now. We work in solidarity with the poor and marginalized for transformative justice in partnership with all believers. Our vision is to live as a community of equals in decision making both as an organization and within all our faith communities. We advocate the renewal of the vision of Jesus in the Gospel in our church and world.
Media are invited to a pre-ordination press conference with the candidates, Bridget Mary Meehan and Dorothy Irvin on Sept. 10th at 1 p.m. at First Christian Church.
For questions regarding the press conference call Janice at 859-684-4247 or Bridget Mary at 703-671-6712, 703-505-0004.
Contact Dorothy Irvin at 612-387-3784.
For information from the candidates contact
Adele Decker Jones at 210-694-2304, adelejonesdmin@aol.com
Dorothy Shugrue at 203-535-5444, dshug7@gmail.com,
and Donna LeMaster Rougeux at 859- 221-3082.
"Gay Marriage And Religion Go Hand-In-Hand Among Many Young Americans" / Huffington Post
SurveyJaweed Kaleem
"Huffington Post," August 29, 2011
http://wwrn.org/articles/36070/
Washington DC, USA
"Conventional wisdom may suggest that religious groups generally oppose same-sex marriage and legal rights for gay Americans, but a new survey released Monday afternoon suggests there are major religious groups on both sides of the debate. According to the survey, young people are driving public opinion to the tipping point on both gay marriage and theological acceptance of gay people.
The poll, conducted by the Washington, D.C.-based Public Religion Research Institute, surveyed 3,000 adults in the United States and analyzed results according to age, religion, and ethnicity or race. It's findings show that far more members of the "millennial" generation, which includes adults ages 18 to 29, strongly supports same-sex marriage and believes homosexuality is moral and compatible with religion than do members of older generations. Among the survey's findings: More than six in 10 millennials favor allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry, 69 percent support gay adoption, 71 percent support civil unions and 79 percent support employment discrimination protections..."
"Huffington Post," August 29, 2011
http://wwrn.org/articles/36070/
Washington DC, USA
"Conventional wisdom may suggest that religious groups generally oppose same-sex marriage and legal rights for gay Americans, but a new survey released Monday afternoon suggests there are major religious groups on both sides of the debate. According to the survey, young people are driving public opinion to the tipping point on both gay marriage and theological acceptance of gay people.
The poll, conducted by the Washington, D.C.-based Public Religion Research Institute, surveyed 3,000 adults in the United States and analyzed results according to age, religion, and ethnicity or race. It's findings show that far more members of the "millennial" generation, which includes adults ages 18 to 29, strongly supports same-sex marriage and believes homosexuality is moral and compatible with religion than do members of older generations. Among the survey's findings: More than six in 10 millennials favor allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry, 69 percent support gay adoption, 71 percent support civil unions and 79 percent support employment discrimination protections..."
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Drive by Austrian Priests Urging Ordination of Women/ End to Celibacy Has Widespread Support of People
Agence France-Presse August 29, 2011
AVIENNA - "A drive for reform by Austrian priests, urging the ordination of women and an end to celibacy, is meeting with widespread support, according to a new survey published Monday.
A total 71.7 per cent of Austrians found the initiative "fair and adequate," with 64.7 per cent saying they would even sign a "call for insurbodination" launched in June, according to the Oekonsult polling institute.
The so-called "Priests' Initiative," signed by at least 200 clergymen, wants women and married individuals to be allowed to be ordained as priests, an end to the celibacy rule and the right for laymen to preach."
http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Austrians+support+priests+call+reform+Survey/5322302/story.html#ixzz1WTuB4mkn
AVIENNA - "A drive for reform by Austrian priests, urging the ordination of women and an end to celibacy, is meeting with widespread support, according to a new survey published Monday.
A total 71.7 per cent of Austrians found the initiative "fair and adequate," with 64.7 per cent saying they would even sign a "call for insurbodination" launched in June, according to the Oekonsult polling institute.
The so-called "Priests' Initiative," signed by at least 200 clergymen, wants women and married individuals to be allowed to be ordained as priests, an end to the celibacy rule and the right for laymen to preach."
http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Austrians+support+priests+call+reform+Survey/5322302/story.html#ixzz1WTuB4mkn
Monday, August 29, 2011
World Youth Day Indulgences; 'Rome Fiddles While We Burn" /Eugene Kennedy/ NCR
http://ncronline.org/blogs/bulletins-human-side/wyd-indulgences-rome-fiddles-while-we-burn
Vatican announces indulgences for World Youth Day
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- "To help encourage prayers for a spiritually fruitful World Youth Day in Madrid, the Vatican announced Aug. 11 that Pope Benedict XVI had authorized a special indulgence for anyone who, "with a contrite spirit," raises a "prayer to God, the Holy Spirit, so that young people are drawn to charity and given the strength to proclaim the Gospel with their life," a Vatican decree said.
The decree included the offer of a plenary, or full, indulgence to all the young people who will gather with the pope in Madrid. World Youth Day runs Aug. 16-21 in the Spanish capital; the pope arrives Aug. 18.
An indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment a person is due for sins that have been forgiven. The conditions necessary for receiving a plenary indulgence include having recently gone to confession, receiving the Eucharist and offering prayers for the intentions of the pope.
Pope Benedict decreed that World Youth Day participants can receive a plenary indulgence if they participate with prayerful devotion in any sacred event or "pious exercise" as well as attend the closing Mass, receive the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist and offer prayers for the pope's intentions."
How Irish that the scandal has turned into a brawl between the Irish prime minister and the Roman authorities he has criticized for their handling of the crisis. That reveals that Ireland's green is really base metal beneath the phony gilt of its claims to be the land of saints and scholars.Things are even worse in Germany where the non-stop revelations of sex abuse have stunned the world and embarrassed Pope Benedict XVI who, while all this is going on, is busily promoting a return of the church to the pre-Vatican II period that served as the incubator for a tragedy that has brought immeasurable grief to innumerable people, including the priest sex abusers themselves whose lack of inner growth led them into lives of pseudo-celibacy that made them seem virtuous to their bishops when they were actually menaces to their people.
Now, while Catholics burn with the shame inflicted on them by this crisis, Rome seems so pre-occupied with re-entering the shadowed yesterday of clerical domination that it has no interest or enough spiritual energy to lead the church to a fresh dawn of self-examination and self-cleansing.
The latest example is found in promising plenary indulgences to those who fulfill certain conditions when they attend World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain, Aug. 18-21. BUT WAIT -- as they say on infomercials -- partial indulgences are also available to those who pray appropriately during this gathering even if they cannot attend in person.
As part of the Reform of the Reform, this unfortunately rings like a church bell with associations of selling such indulgences during medieval times when bartering for grace and time off from Purgatory with cash scandalized Catholics and helped bring on the Reformation.
It is worse now because it confounds the mystery of Time and Eternity in which Roman officials should have an interest even if they lack any understanding of them. These are also critical variables in the human experience of the sexual abuse crisis and confusing them can only increase the suffering of the victims of sex abuse.Indulgences are airily explained as lessening the temporal, or in time, punishment for sin that actually takes place beyond the reach of time, or the application of its parameters, in eternity. Where there is time, as Joseph Campbell has expressed it, there is sorrow. That is a function of time not of eternity and indulgences make no sense, sold 500 years ago or promised now, as any kind of spiritual currency to bail us out of the timeless sphere of eternity..."
Vatican announces indulgences for World Youth Day
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- "To help encourage prayers for a spiritually fruitful World Youth Day in Madrid, the Vatican announced Aug. 11 that Pope Benedict XVI had authorized a special indulgence for anyone who, "with a contrite spirit," raises a "prayer to God, the Holy Spirit, so that young people are drawn to charity and given the strength to proclaim the Gospel with their life," a Vatican decree said.
The decree included the offer of a plenary, or full, indulgence to all the young people who will gather with the pope in Madrid. World Youth Day runs Aug. 16-21 in the Spanish capital; the pope arrives Aug. 18.
An indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment a person is due for sins that have been forgiven. The conditions necessary for receiving a plenary indulgence include having recently gone to confession, receiving the Eucharist and offering prayers for the intentions of the pope.
Pope Benedict decreed that World Youth Day participants can receive a plenary indulgence if they participate with prayerful devotion in any sacred event or "pious exercise" as well as attend the closing Mass, receive the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist and offer prayers for the pope's intentions."
Eugene Cullen Kennedy
"World Youth Day Indulgences: Rome Fiddles While We Burn"
..."The sex abuse crisis among priests and other church personnel has now exploded like napalm across the entire Catholic world. New revelations tell an old story almost every day: that of the suffering of its victims, often in secret and compounded by ecclesiastical ineptitude, inattention, or moral insolvency.How Irish that the scandal has turned into a brawl between the Irish prime minister and the Roman authorities he has criticized for their handling of the crisis. That reveals that Ireland's green is really base metal beneath the phony gilt of its claims to be the land of saints and scholars.Things are even worse in Germany where the non-stop revelations of sex abuse have stunned the world and embarrassed Pope Benedict XVI who, while all this is going on, is busily promoting a return of the church to the pre-Vatican II period that served as the incubator for a tragedy that has brought immeasurable grief to innumerable people, including the priest sex abusers themselves whose lack of inner growth led them into lives of pseudo-celibacy that made them seem virtuous to their bishops when they were actually menaces to their people.
Now, while Catholics burn with the shame inflicted on them by this crisis, Rome seems so pre-occupied with re-entering the shadowed yesterday of clerical domination that it has no interest or enough spiritual energy to lead the church to a fresh dawn of self-examination and self-cleansing.
The latest example is found in promising plenary indulgences to those who fulfill certain conditions when they attend World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain, Aug. 18-21. BUT WAIT -- as they say on infomercials -- partial indulgences are also available to those who pray appropriately during this gathering even if they cannot attend in person.
As part of the Reform of the Reform, this unfortunately rings like a church bell with associations of selling such indulgences during medieval times when bartering for grace and time off from Purgatory with cash scandalized Catholics and helped bring on the Reformation.
It is worse now because it confounds the mystery of Time and Eternity in which Roman officials should have an interest even if they lack any understanding of them. These are also critical variables in the human experience of the sexual abuse crisis and confusing them can only increase the suffering of the victims of sex abuse.Indulgences are airily explained as lessening the temporal, or in time, punishment for sin that actually takes place beyond the reach of time, or the application of its parameters, in eternity. Where there is time, as Joseph Campbell has expressed it, there is sorrow. That is a function of time not of eternity and indulgences make no sense, sold 500 years ago or promised now, as any kind of spiritual currency to bail us out of the timeless sphere of eternity..."
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Homily for the 22nd Sunday- Cycle A- 28 Aug. 2011 by Roberta Meehan, ARCWP
Homily for the 22nd Sunday
Cycle A – 28
August 2011
Jeremiah 20:7-9
Psalms 63:2-6, 8-9
Romans 12:1-2
Matthew 16:21-27
(The gospel is the same in all lectionaries. There are slight variations in the other readings. For this homily, I am using the Roman Catholic lectionary. )
Think about these readings. Did you hear them? WOW! But, let us concentrate today just on Jeremiah. All three readings – and the psalm – are powerful but there is so much every one of us can relate to in this first reading from Jeremiah that I think we ought to put our concentration there. Jeremiah says, “You duped me, O God, and I let myself be duped; you were too strong for me, and you triumphed. All the day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me. Whenever I speak, I must cry out, violence and outrage is my message; the word of the LORD has brought me derision and reproach all the day. I say to myself, I will not mention God. I will speak in God's name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it.” Look at that opening line. “You duped me, O God….”
Have you ever felt duped by God? Most of us have. When we are duped by God, we have that overpowering knowledge and desire for what we know we are supposed to do. And, we don’t want to do it. We fight. We scream. We holler. We tell God we are not the right one for the job. We use every excuse imaginable. But, just like Jeremiah, we let ourselves be duped because our God is too strong for us and God wins. Look at what Jeremiah says next. He says is the object of laughter and mockery. We have all experienced this, have we not? Of course! And sometimes what we experience is a figment of our imaginations – but that does not make the laughter and mockery any less real to us, does it?
Part of this, it seems, is that when we are fighting God, we are also fighting ourselves. That is a losing battle! We cannot fight God. And we cannot fight ourselves. Of course, regardless of the battle, we are going to feel pain – real or imagined. We then do exactly what Jeremiah does. We say we will not mention God. We will ignore God. But, it does not work. Our God is a persistent lover. Our God will not be thwarted. Our God is that impervious Hound of Heaven. And God wins whether we like it or not. It seems we have several things to learn from this passage. Of course, the most obvious is that we cannot escape the absolute yearning our God has for us and, flowing from that, that our God will go to any lengths to claim us. We sometimes forget that part, do we not? We think our God does not care – but our God will do anything for us! There is another message here too. Jeremiah’s statements to God are hardly prim and pious. He is talking to God in a very frustrated way and in a way much like he would talk with a close friend with whom we disagree. (Have we not all talked with a close friend this way – or at least thought about it?) Jeremiah is telling us that it is OK – completely acceptable – to be REAL with our God. We have permission to say, “God, what the heck are you doing to me???” Read the Book of Jeremiah. He was a bold and brazen and slightly off the wall sort of man. (His antics regarding clothing leave no doubt about this!) But, he was real. He was real in his work and he was real in his dealings with his God. He did not pretend he was something he was not. He did not have to put on a show for God. And he told God what he thought. And God loved him so much that Jeremiah was able to follow his calling exactly as he was – as a real human being. This is an excellent lesson for us.
How often do we try to hide our fears and our emotions from God? How often do we think we have been duped by God but are afraid to tell God exactly what we think? Why do we not want to spill it all out to our God? Why do we not want to be like Jeremiah? Our God loves us! Our God understands us! Our God knows our frustrations! We need to talk to God as our friend and as our lover. We need to face our frustrations and our anxieties with what we have been called to do. We do not need to feign a pious front if we do not feel pious. We need to feel and be real. Our God knows we are real!!! And, in being real, we will feel the smile of our beloved – our God – and the whole concept of our having been duped will fall away. If we do this, our pattern of life will fall in perfectly with today’s passage from Romans. “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” It is in being ourselves that we are able to face our God as whole and real human beings. We will not be conforming to the age and we will thus be able to discern with a clear mind and an open heart the will of our Supreme Lover.
Roberta M Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
Friday, August 26, 2011
An Open Clergy Rebellion in Austria's Catholic Church, 40 Priests in Kenya Defected Over Celibacy
http://www.worldcrunch.com/open-clergy-rebellion-austria-s-catholic-church/3652
"Hundreds of Austrian priests are challenging the standing leadership of Pope Benedict XVI and the local bishops, demanding modern-day answers to issues like communion for divorced people, women in the church hierarchy, and the taboo of priests who have a partner and children.
The 300-plus supporters of the “Priests’ Initiative” have had enough of what they call the Church’s “delaying” tactics, and they are advocating pushing ahead with policies that openly defy current practices. These include letting non-ordained people lead religious services and deliver sermons; making communion available to divorced people who have remarried; allowing women to become priests and to take on important positions in the hierarchy; and letting priests carry out pastoral functions even if, in defiance of Church rules, they have a wife and family."
Kenya: 40 Catholic Priests Quit Over Church Celibacy Rule
http://allafrica.com/stories/201108251341.html
25 August 2011
"MORE than 40 priests have in the last two years defected from the Catholic Church in Kenya seeking freedom from celibacy. The priests have joined the Ecumenical Catholic Church headed by Bishop Geoffrey Shiundu who also quit the Catholic church after he married against rules of priesthood."
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
The Vatican is facing a huge crisis-- a holy shakeup- not only from the clergy in Austria, Kenya and Ireland but also from Catholics in the pews who support women priests and an end to mandatory celibacy. The full equality of women in the church is the voice of God in our time.
Let us rejoice in this prophetic rebellion by the clergy in Austria, Kenya ,Ireland and elsewhere. Jesus was a rule breaker who challenged the religious leaders of his time to live God vision of justice and inclusive, compassionate love for all especially those who were poor and oppressed.
These prophetic priests, like Jesus, are calling for inclusivity, justice and equality in our church. Like Maryknoll priest Roy Bourgeois, these priests are breaking the man-made rules of the Catholic Church in order to according to the Spirit and serve the spiritual needs of the people of God. They are inviting their sisters, women in the church, to take their rightful places as partners in the Gospel. Brava! While the Vatican is going to initiate a new Roman missal that uses exclusive language and some bishops are dismissing altar girls, the Austrian priests are a welcome holy shakeup - a revolution indeed! May many others follow!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
"Hundreds of Austrian priests are challenging the standing leadership of Pope Benedict XVI and the local bishops, demanding modern-day answers to issues like communion for divorced people, women in the church hierarchy, and the taboo of priests who have a partner and children.
The 300-plus supporters of the “Priests’ Initiative” have had enough of what they call the Church’s “delaying” tactics, and they are advocating pushing ahead with policies that openly defy current practices. These include letting non-ordained people lead religious services and deliver sermons; making communion available to divorced people who have remarried; allowing women to become priests and to take on important positions in the hierarchy; and letting priests carry out pastoral functions even if, in defiance of Church rules, they have a wife and family."
Kenya: 40 Catholic Priests Quit Over Church Celibacy Rule
http://allafrica.com/stories/201108251341.html
25 August 2011
"MORE than 40 priests have in the last two years defected from the Catholic Church in Kenya seeking freedom from celibacy. The priests have joined the Ecumenical Catholic Church headed by Bishop Geoffrey Shiundu who also quit the Catholic church after he married against rules of priesthood."
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
The Vatican is facing a huge crisis-- a holy shakeup- not only from the clergy in Austria, Kenya and Ireland but also from Catholics in the pews who support women priests and an end to mandatory celibacy. The full equality of women in the church is the voice of God in our time.
Let us rejoice in this prophetic rebellion by the clergy in Austria, Kenya ,Ireland and elsewhere. Jesus was a rule breaker who challenged the religious leaders of his time to live God vision of justice and inclusive, compassionate love for all especially those who were poor and oppressed.
These prophetic priests, like Jesus, are calling for inclusivity, justice and equality in our church. Like Maryknoll priest Roy Bourgeois, these priests are breaking the man-made rules of the Catholic Church in order to according to the Spirit and serve the spiritual needs of the people of God. They are inviting their sisters, women in the church, to take their rightful places as partners in the Gospel. Brava! While the Vatican is going to initiate a new Roman missal that uses exclusive language and some bishops are dismissing altar girls, the Austrian priests are a welcome holy shakeup - a revolution indeed! May many others follow!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
O'Malley Puts Down New Marker On Abuse Crisis/NCR
"...On Thursday, O'Malley announced that, after "serious and thoughtful consideration and prayer," he was releasing a list of Boston priests and deacons who have either been found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor, or publicly accused of such abuse. The names have been organized into a searchable format, available on the archdiocesan web site. Each entry includes the cleric's current status (suspended, laicized, etc.) and a link to his assignment history. In tandem with the launch, O'Malley issued a detailed seven-page letter explaining the reasoning underlying his decision."
See the full list here: Publication With Respect to Archdiocesan Clergy Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Child.
O'Malley also published a separate list of priests who have been publicly accused but later exonerated, either because the archdiocesan review board found the charge to be unsubstantiated, or because the priest was acquitted in a canonical trial.
While most of the information has already been released by the archdiocese in one form or another, it's never been centrally collected or made user-friendly.
See the full list here: Publication With Respect to Archdiocesan Clergy Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Child.
O'Malley also published a separate list of priests who have been publicly accused but later exonerated, either because the archdiocesan review board found the charge to be unsubstantiated, or because the priest was acquitted in a canonical trial.
While most of the information has already been released by the archdiocese in one form or another, it's never been centrally collected or made user-friendly.
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Finally, a major step forward for a U.S. bishop. Let's hope others in the hierarchy including the Vatican follow Cardinal O'Malley's example of transparency and accountability.
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Thursday, August 25, 2011
"Good Event- Bad Event" Joan Chittister's Address at American Catholic Council in Detroit
http://ncronline.org/blogs/where-i-stand/good-event-bad-event
"....Vatican II gives us all the right to give God’s gifts to God’s work, and to God’s church. Among the great religious orders and congregations of the church, after all, the ideas for Benedictines, Benedict; Franciscans, Francis; Jesuits, Ignatius Loyola; Sisters of Mercy, Mother Catherine McAuley; Sisters of Charity, Mother Elizabeth Seton; Sisters of Loreto, Mary Ward; the ideas for teaching ministry, education of girls, nursing the sick, not to mention peace and nonviolence through Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin -- all came from laity.Point: The church has always needed more than financial capital from the laity. It needs intellectual capital, moral and spiritual capital, again, now and here. It is your name they’re waiting for now, the one right under the names of Moses and Judith, Esther and Joseph and Jesus. You are the voice of today’s church: Speak loudly. You are the fire of today’s church: Burn brightly. You are the hope of the church, now and for centuries to come."
"Let faith impel you. Let love direct you. Let hope be the glue that binds you and courage your eternally enduring Pentecostal flame. You are the good event of the church in what has too often become a bad event time.In the Native American tradition at the time of initiation the elders tell the younger, “As you go the way of life you will see a great chasm -- jump.”When the retreat to yesterday threatens the movement of the Holy Spirit within us all today, this is no time for despair. This is no time to stop. This is the time to jump, move on, begin again."
"....Vatican II gives us all the right to give God’s gifts to God’s work, and to God’s church. Among the great religious orders and congregations of the church, after all, the ideas for Benedictines, Benedict; Franciscans, Francis; Jesuits, Ignatius Loyola; Sisters of Mercy, Mother Catherine McAuley; Sisters of Charity, Mother Elizabeth Seton; Sisters of Loreto, Mary Ward; the ideas for teaching ministry, education of girls, nursing the sick, not to mention peace and nonviolence through Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin -- all came from laity.Point: The church has always needed more than financial capital from the laity. It needs intellectual capital, moral and spiritual capital, again, now and here. It is your name they’re waiting for now, the one right under the names of Moses and Judith, Esther and Joseph and Jesus. You are the voice of today’s church: Speak loudly. You are the fire of today’s church: Burn brightly. You are the hope of the church, now and for centuries to come."
"Let faith impel you. Let love direct you. Let hope be the glue that binds you and courage your eternally enduring Pentecostal flame. You are the good event of the church in what has too often become a bad event time.In the Native American tradition at the time of initiation the elders tell the younger, “As you go the way of life you will see a great chasm -- jump.”When the retreat to yesterday threatens the movement of the Holy Spirit within us all today, this is no time for despair. This is no time to stop. This is the time to jump, move on, begin again."
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Ireland Sexual Abuse Crisis: "Cloyne Vicar Says ' Conscience' Prevented Him From Reporting Abuse"/NCR
Cloyne vicar says 'conscience' prevented him from reporting abuse
Aug. 24, 2011
Dennis Coday
A day after retired Bishop John Magee broke his silence on the Cloyne Report, which found that as bishop of Cloyne he did not implement church guidelines on handling clergy sex abuse, his chief lieutenant has confessed that he should have resigned in 1996 because he could not in conscience uphold those church guidelines.
In an Aug. 24 letter to The Irish Catholic, Msgr Denis O'Callaghan, the Cloyne diocese's vicar general and delegate for child protection, wrote that he came to realize that his commitment to the pastoral care of priests conflicted with church guidelines to report clergy abuse to civil authorities.
Bridget Mary's Reflection
What a shock to the people of Ireland and to the world! Another example of the hierarchy protecting priests over vulnerable children who were raped and sodomized by Catholic priests in a global sex abuse scandal that goes all the way to the top in the Vatican.
No wonder Ireland went ballistic and sent the papal nuncio off with a reprimand to the Vatican.
Just what entitles the Vatican to violate civil law and NOT report crimes against children. Conscience?!Is this the behavior that represents Christ and a "pro-life" church that values children as precious and beloved. Of course, every accusation must be investigated and proven, and justice must be done for victims and priests but to cover it up is immoral and illegal.
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
Aug. 24, 2011
Dennis Coday
A day after retired Bishop John Magee broke his silence on the Cloyne Report, which found that as bishop of Cloyne he did not implement church guidelines on handling clergy sex abuse, his chief lieutenant has confessed that he should have resigned in 1996 because he could not in conscience uphold those church guidelines.
In an Aug. 24 letter to The Irish Catholic, Msgr Denis O'Callaghan, the Cloyne diocese's vicar general and delegate for child protection, wrote that he came to realize that his commitment to the pastoral care of priests conflicted with church guidelines to report clergy abuse to civil authorities.
Bridget Mary's Reflection
What a shock to the people of Ireland and to the world! Another example of the hierarchy protecting priests over vulnerable children who were raped and sodomized by Catholic priests in a global sex abuse scandal that goes all the way to the top in the Vatican.
No wonder Ireland went ballistic and sent the papal nuncio off with a reprimand to the Vatican.
Just what entitles the Vatican to violate civil law and NOT report crimes against children. Conscience?!Is this the behavior that represents Christ and a "pro-life" church that values children as precious and beloved. Of course, every accusation must be investigated and proven, and justice must be done for victims and priests but to cover it up is immoral and illegal.
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
Monday, August 22, 2011
"Phoenix Diocese Cathedral Won't Allow Girl Altar Servers" by Michael Clancy/Arizona Republic/More Vocations for Women Priests
Girls no longer will be allowed as altar servers during Mass at the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, SS. Simon and Jude.
The Rev. John Lankeit, rector of the cathedral, said he made the decision in hopes of promoting the priesthood for males and other religious vocations, such as becoming a nun, for females.
Made up primarily of fifth- through eighth-graders the altar-server corps in American churches has included girls since 1983 in many places. Girls and boys regularly serve together at churches throughout the Phoenix Catholic Diocese.
The Rev. John Lankeit, rector of the cathedral, said he made the decision in hopes of promoting the priesthood for males and other religious vocations, such as becoming a nun, for females.
Made up primarily of fifth- through eighth-graders the altar-server corps in American churches has included girls since 1983 in many places. Girls and boys regularly serve together at churches throughout the Phoenix Catholic Diocese.
Bridget Mary's Reflection
The bad news is that the institutional church is headed back to pre-Vatican, some would say medieval times. The good news is that girls are welcome to serve at Roman Catholic Women Priest liturgies!
1. In our world today, gender equality is a major issue. It is time for the Roman Catholic hierarchy to stop treating women as second class citizens. Like Rosa Parks who refused to sit in the back of the bus. Catholic women will no longer put up with discrimination. Sexism is a sin against God and our church, the people of God.
2. By our baptism girls and women are equals in Christ and, therefore, should be able to receive all the sacraments. Jesus did not ordain anyone. If the church does not treat girls and women as equals, it should stop baptizing them. What's next 'churching" women after childbirth?!
3. The Pontifical Biblical Commission in 1976, the Vatican's own scholars, confirmed that there was nothing in scripture to prevent women from being ordained.
4. A call to serve as a priest comes from God and the community, not from the hiearchy. (Check out Council of Chalcedon).This is another example of clery fear, some would say, paranoia--- that girls who serve at the altar may become priests. On the other hand, this could be another bonanza for women priests as girls realize that there is a path toward gender equality in the Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement. As an issue of justice, women are being ordained in the same way as men to serve in a renewed priestly ministry within empowered communities of equals.
5. The good news is that the hierarchy/Bishop of Phoenix is the gift that keeps on giving. Rigid Catholicism is dying, and a renewed, inclusive church is being born where girls and women are equals and all are welcome at the Eucharistic Banquet.
Let us rejoice!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
Sunday, August 21, 2011
A Day in the Life of a Woman Priest: Judy Lee, ARCWP, Ft. Myers, Florida
I have begun a part-time job as Chaplain to Our Mother's Home, a home for teenage girls and their babies. There are five girls there now, 15-17 and four little ones(3 mos-four years) and 3 on the way. I think the capacity is 8 girls with children. I spent Tues hearing and reading their stories and my heart was moved with compassion and upheaval at the pain they have already endured.
OMH was started by a very dear member of the RC parish that I used to attend. (In fact, I ministered to her husband after her death as he was placed in a Nursing Home). It was intended to remain under RC auspices, but somehow(probably for survival issues) got given over to the State agency for children and families, so all of the girls there are in foster care too. Yet, our Loving God kept Her hand there and the President of the Board and the present Board members and the Director all have strong Christian identification and because of my dual qualifications (Pastor and Clinical SW license) they can hire me to " counsel and bring God to these girls". (Group meetings every 2 weeks and individual meetings as needed).
They started with me giving a Bible Study about a month ago: I chose the theme of How much God loves you, and calls you by name". The work per se began last night with what is a mixed purpose kind of group and mixed media as well. The important thing is their real sharing and learning in their hearts Mother-God responses. The most beautiful part of the meeting for me is their prayers when we pray together and this moment: I put out a lot of art materials in the eginning and they were eager to color. I gave them empty paper but only one used it-writing the name she has chosen for her baby in glitter.
The theme was fears vs. hope and the fears were many and the hopes few. The coloring picture I found for hope was a Christmas candle called the Candle of Hope with Mary holding the baby Jesus as they looked lovingly at one another superimposed. After a time of laughter and introductions,they worked on the picture quietly as we talked about their fears and hopes. I then softly and gently but with emphasis/emotion read them the 23rd Psalm as they sort of laid across the table with their coloring. As I read: "surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life..." I could literally see them take in that love and relax in God's arms. When I finished they looked up in such a rare moment of peace. I told them what I saw and they said I was right, they could feel God's love right there.
It was beautiful, and by the way, none had ever heard the 23rd Psalm before this. I then moved to the hope of Mary and the newborn baby Jesus, the Hope of the world-and of them and their babies as hope as well. This opened the sharing of their hopes for themselves and their babies. They moved from defining themselves as "bad" to "giving birth to hope". AMEN!
Please join me in praying for these girls and their babies.
Judy Lee, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
Friday, August 19, 2011
Grassroots Resistance to New Roman Missal/ Bishops' "Double-Speak" Over New Missal/Article in The Tablet
"A grassroots resistance seems to be growing
among ordinary Catholics who are deeply concerned
at the impact this new translation will have on their
Sunday Mass. ...The flagrant misuse of power involved in the new
translation of the Roman Missal is not just about its
pastorally disastrous kind of language. It is also about
the serious disregard for Vatican II's teaching on
collegiality in the process leading up to the New
Missal... This new Missal has provoked widespread dismay
and disquiet, especially among many clergy, fearful
of its negative impact on parishioners. For instance,
in January of this year the eminent US liturgical scholar,
Anthony Ruff OSB, withdrew from a commission given
him by the US bishops to help prepare people for the
new translation of the Roman Missal in dioceses
across the US. In his letter of withdrawal he wrote:
"...my involvement in that process, as well as my
observation of the Holy See's handling of scandal,
has gradually opened my eyes to the deep problems
in the structures of authority of our Church. The
forthcoming Missal is but a part of a larger pattern
of top-down impositions by a central authority that
does not consider itself accountable to the larger
Church. When I think of how secretive the translation
process was, how little consultation was done with
priests or laity ... "
among ordinary Catholics who are deeply concerned
at the impact this new translation will have on their
Sunday Mass. ...The flagrant misuse of power involved in the new
translation of the Roman Missal is not just about its
pastorally disastrous kind of language. It is also about
the serious disregard for Vatican II's teaching on
collegiality in the process leading up to the New
Missal... This new Missal has provoked widespread dismay
and disquiet, especially among many clergy, fearful
of its negative impact on parishioners. For instance,
in January of this year the eminent US liturgical scholar,
Anthony Ruff OSB, withdrew from a commission given
him by the US bishops to help prepare people for the
new translation of the Roman Missal in dioceses
across the US. In his letter of withdrawal he wrote:
"...my involvement in that process, as well as my
observation of the Holy See's handling of scandal,
has gradually opened my eyes to the deep problems
in the structures of authority of our Church. The
forthcoming Missal is but a part of a larger pattern
of top-down impositions by a central authority that
does not consider itself accountable to the larger
Church. When I think of how secretive the translation
process was, how little consultation was done with
priests or laity ... "
IRISH PRIESTS ASSOCIATION -
PUBLIC OPPOSITION TO NEW ROMAN MISSAL
Irish Association of Catholic Priests (ACP)
issued a press release entitled "New Translation of the
Missal Unacceptable". They described the texts as
"archaic, elitist and obscure and not in keeping with
the natural rhythm, cadence and syntax of the
English language" and say: "from the few available
samples of the new texts, it is clear that the style
of English used throughout the Mass will be so
convoluted that it will be difficult to read the prayers
in public." Moreover, they continue: "It is ironic that
this Latinised, stilted English is being imposed on
Irish people who are so blessed with world-renowned
poets, playwrights, and novelists." They ask the
bishops to follow the German bishops, who have
objected to similar texts being imposed on them
and urge them to defer the Missal's introduction for
five years to give them time to "engage with Irish
Catholics with a view to developing a new set of texts
that will adequately reflect the literary genius and
spiritual needs of our Church community in these
modern times".
Two years earlier, an article appeared in America
(14 December 2009) entitled What If We Said, 'Wait'?
The case for a grass-roots review of the new Roman
Missal, by Fr Michael G. Ryan. He spoke out of his
experience as pastor of St James' Cathedral, Seattle,
since 1988 and board member of the national
Cathedral Ministry Conference. He tells of the
reactions of "disbelief and indignation" of his friends
to some of the translations; and of "audible laughter
in the room" at a diocesan seminar for priests and
lay-leaders. ..He also notes that when the new translations were
mistakenly introduced ahead of time in South Africa
they "were met almost uniformly with opposition
bordering on outrage". Fr Ryan makes a gentle
"What if?" challenge to his fellow priests:
"What if we, the parish priests of this country who
will be charged with the implementation, were to
find our voice and tell our bishops that we want to
help them avert an almost certain fiasco? What if
we told them that we think it unwise to implement
these changes until our people have been
consulted in an adult manner that truly honors their
intelligence and their baptismal birthright? What if
we just said, "Wait, not until our people are ready
for the new translations, but until the translations
are ready for our people?...."
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Pope Arrives in Spain Amid Censorship Controversy: Word Youth Day 4: Condoms for Life Campaign
For Immediate Release
18 August 2011
Media Contact:Adrianne Burke+1 202 986 6093
http://www.catholicsforchoice.org/
Pope Arrives in Spain Amid Censorship Controversy
International Youth Coalition Seconds Archbishop’s Affirmation of Freedom of Expression
The World Youth Day 4
All coalition welcomed the remarks from Archbishop Braulio Rodriguez of Toledo, Spain, who pointed out that the Catholic World Youth Day celebration is taking place in a country where freedom of expression is protected.“Spain’s openness to freedom of expression is something Catholics for Choice took for granted when we arranged, months in advance, for the display of our Condoms4Life ads in Madrid’s transit system to coincide with World Youth Day,” said Marissa Valeri, a lead organizer of the coalition. “We were surprised, then, when the message ‘Good Catholics Use Condoms’ was deemed too offensive for Madrilenos.
In reality, the best interests of the public was not the issue. Instead, it was a move made by ultraconservatives to stifle the many diverse voices of Catholics at World Youth Day, which should be a place where, as Archbishop Rodriguez affirmed, ‘we can all say what we want to say.’The municipal authorities did a disservice to all visitors and to all Spaniards by stepping between the life-giving message that condoms save lives, on the one hand, and the individual’s right to make up his or her mind about that message, on the other.”
Condoms are apparently not the only topic that is too hot to handle in Madrid this August. Patrons at the Madrid public library have allegedly complained they were unable to access Web sites providing information on protests being organized against World Youth Day.One of the hallmarks of the Catholic tradition is unity in diversity. Like the World Youth Day 4
All coalition, the event itself is made up of participants from all over the world, people who may speak different languages and come from different cultures, but who find kinship on the level of faith. The church hierarchy obviously feels that Spain’s respect for freedom of expression gives them room to express their viewpoint—Archbishop Rodriguez even decries those who think that certain points of view are “more right than others.” Spain’s civic freedoms should be able to include the voices of the Catholic people—including those who support the use of condoms—as well as the perspectives of non-Catholics. Otherwise, the “world” part of World Youth Day goes missing, and those from a tiny, easily ruffled minority within the Catholic hierarchy and the Spanish authorities are the only ones celebrating.Luckily, diversity is not so easily squelched—the Condoms4Life message has been making headlines all week (see the blog http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=AxOgj16pMQWJXDy5tzeDGGhvZu57AI%2FS
for a roundup of coverage), and pilgrims have encountered stickers and projections on walls around the city.Read the original press release
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=7xStzKL%2BrLGuNNRiE8YkxmhvZu57AI%2FS.
Read this press release
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=%2Bf4auGi%2BzTyGAltKPe46q2hvZu57AI%2FS
on the Catholics for Choice website.###Condoms4Life
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=YdILM%2B%2FL2baddmSsDF3lpmhvZu57AI%2FS
(www.Condoms4Life.org) is an unprecedented worldwide public education effort to raise public awareness about the devastating effect of the bishops’ ban on condoms. The campaign was launched at World AIDS Day 2001 with billboards and ads in subways and newspapers saying, “Banning Condoms Kills.” According to its own figures, the Catholic church provides as much as one quarter of all care to people living with HIV and AIDS. The pope has recognized the value of condoms in the fight against HIV transmission. However, a few vocal, ultraconservative members of the Catholic hierarchy have tried to rewrite the pope’s words, and with them the truth about condom use by Catholics and in healthcare delivery by Catholic organizations across the globe. With this new ad campaign Catholics for Choice stands by the pope’s statements on condoms as an HIV prevention method that saves lives.
Catholics for Choice http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=nL8Mtg3hVcoaIEoRpx0Z3GhvZu57AI%2FS
shapes and advances sexual and reproductive ethics that are based on justice, reflect a commitment to women's well-being and respect and affirm the capacity of women and men to make moral decisions about their lives.
18 August 2011
Media Contact:Adrianne Burke+1 202 986 6093
http://www.catholicsforchoice.org/
Pope Arrives in Spain Amid Censorship Controversy
International Youth Coalition Seconds Archbishop’s Affirmation of Freedom of Expression
The World Youth Day 4
All coalition welcomed the remarks from Archbishop Braulio Rodriguez of Toledo, Spain, who pointed out that the Catholic World Youth Day celebration is taking place in a country where freedom of expression is protected.“Spain’s openness to freedom of expression is something Catholics for Choice took for granted when we arranged, months in advance, for the display of our Condoms4Life ads in Madrid’s transit system to coincide with World Youth Day,” said Marissa Valeri, a lead organizer of the coalition. “We were surprised, then, when the message ‘Good Catholics Use Condoms’ was deemed too offensive for Madrilenos.
In reality, the best interests of the public was not the issue. Instead, it was a move made by ultraconservatives to stifle the many diverse voices of Catholics at World Youth Day, which should be a place where, as Archbishop Rodriguez affirmed, ‘we can all say what we want to say.’The municipal authorities did a disservice to all visitors and to all Spaniards by stepping between the life-giving message that condoms save lives, on the one hand, and the individual’s right to make up his or her mind about that message, on the other.”
Condoms are apparently not the only topic that is too hot to handle in Madrid this August. Patrons at the Madrid public library have allegedly complained they were unable to access Web sites providing information on protests being organized against World Youth Day.One of the hallmarks of the Catholic tradition is unity in diversity. Like the World Youth Day 4
All coalition, the event itself is made up of participants from all over the world, people who may speak different languages and come from different cultures, but who find kinship on the level of faith. The church hierarchy obviously feels that Spain’s respect for freedom of expression gives them room to express their viewpoint—Archbishop Rodriguez even decries those who think that certain points of view are “more right than others.” Spain’s civic freedoms should be able to include the voices of the Catholic people—including those who support the use of condoms—as well as the perspectives of non-Catholics. Otherwise, the “world” part of World Youth Day goes missing, and those from a tiny, easily ruffled minority within the Catholic hierarchy and the Spanish authorities are the only ones celebrating.Luckily, diversity is not so easily squelched—the Condoms4Life message has been making headlines all week (see the blog http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=AxOgj16pMQWJXDy5tzeDGGhvZu57AI%2FS
for a roundup of coverage), and pilgrims have encountered stickers and projections on walls around the city.Read the original press release
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=7xStzKL%2BrLGuNNRiE8YkxmhvZu57AI%2FS.
Read this press release
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=%2Bf4auGi%2BzTyGAltKPe46q2hvZu57AI%2FS
on the Catholics for Choice website.###Condoms4Life
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=YdILM%2B%2FL2baddmSsDF3lpmhvZu57AI%2FS
(www.Condoms4Life.org) is an unprecedented worldwide public education effort to raise public awareness about the devastating effect of the bishops’ ban on condoms. The campaign was launched at World AIDS Day 2001 with billboards and ads in subways and newspapers saying, “Banning Condoms Kills.” According to its own figures, the Catholic church provides as much as one quarter of all care to people living with HIV and AIDS. The pope has recognized the value of condoms in the fight against HIV transmission. However, a few vocal, ultraconservative members of the Catholic hierarchy have tried to rewrite the pope’s words, and with them the truth about condom use by Catholics and in healthcare delivery by Catholic organizations across the globe. With this new ad campaign Catholics for Choice stands by the pope’s statements on condoms as an HIV prevention method that saves lives.
Catholics for Choice http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=nL8Mtg3hVcoaIEoRpx0Z3GhvZu57AI%2FS
shapes and advances sexual and reproductive ethics that are based on justice, reflect a commitment to women's well-being and respect and affirm the capacity of women and men to make moral decisions about their lives.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
"Misguided Roman Missal" Gets Poor Reviews/ Coming Soon- Inclusive Worship Aides from Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
COMING SOON: INCLUSIVE WORSHIP AIDES FROM ASSOCIATION OF ROMAN CATHOLIC WOMEN PRIESTS
Don't fret about new Misguided Roman Missal!
Use new worship aides from ARCWP.
Information of our website in Sept. on how to order! www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
Are you or is your community at their wits end with this new "Misguided Roman Missal" that is coming out in Advent 2011? Then ,do something about it.
1.Use inclusive worship aides for your liturgy.
2. Check out this excellent website on "Misguided Roman Missal. "
http://misguidedmissal.com/wp/
Out of Love for the Church…
"Our Mission
To educate people about the problems with both the process and the product of the 2011 Roman Missal
To call for its immediate withdrawal and/or revision
To call for reconsideration of the 1998 Sacramentary (Missal). "
"Out of Love for the Church…
…we are deeply concerned with the New Missal Translation emanating from Rome.…we believe it is poorly translated, indeed, at times, mistranslated, difficult to speak, let alone comprehend.
…we are deeply concerned with the process resulting in the 2011 Missal Translation.…we believe the process circumvented collaboration and consultation with liturgists, linguists, scripture scholars and theologians and is simply being imposed without regard for the People of God.
…we are deeply concerned with the return to authoritarianism and clericalism implied in the words of the new translation.…we believe the hierarchy has lost sight of who we are as the people of God, who, like them, are called to discipleship... "
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Associationoformancatholicwomenpriests.org
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
Showing of "Pink Smoke Over the Vatican" in Lexington, Kentucky/Documentary Producer of Award Winning Film, Jules Hart Spoke
(Left to right) Janice Sevre-Duszynska, ARCWP
Jules Hart, film maker,
Donna Rougeux, ARCWP at showing of Pink Smoke
Over the Vatican in Lexington, KY.
Jules Hart and Janice Sevre-Duszynska
at showing of "Pink Smoke Over the Vatican"
in Lexington
Last night about 13 people gathered for supper at my home here in Lexington. They included Jules Hart, the California film maker, and her brother from southern Indiana.
Kay Akers also came all the way from California for this event! With us were two folks from our Cincinnaticommunity, a freelance reporter and longtime friends/supporters of women priests from Lexington.We sat on the deck decorated with flowers from my English cottage garden and "talked shop": what's happening with Roy Bourgeois, the church, local, national and international, and our women's ordination movement.
What a joyful and spirited gathering!We had pulled pork, shrimp soaked in my sister's "Polish brine recipe," fruit salad and delicious "smacznego" potluck that everyone brought. My sister had left on Monday after caring for me during the first two weeks after my surgery.
Donna, who has been a God-send, had been over almost every day helping me get the house in order since I couldn't lift anything. She has walked the diaconate journey by setting up the "Pink Smoke" showing and in her concern and journeywith me. Her husband, Jerry, and his technical expertise, made sure everything went A-Okay with the film showing.
About 50 interfaith folks came to watch "Pink Smoke" in Lexington. They, too, were an enthusiastic audience. Afterwards, Judy introduced me and I Jules and we answered questions from the audience.
I introduced Donna Rougeux and people clapped when they heard she was going to be ordained in September!
For me it was a returning to the church where my ordination took place and where Roy's public stand for women priests took root. Now, three years later from Aug. 9, 2008, the grassroots has risen to support Roy and justice for women in our church!
After we spoke with folks who viewed "Pink Smoke," Donna, her husband Jerry, Kay, Jules and her brother and I returned to my home to celebrate and champagne toast "nazdrowie" to Jules for her tenaciousness and courage in producing the documentary about the struggle for justice for women in our church." We ate Kentucky Derby pie with ice cream and a slice of key lime on the side for dessert.
From Kay Akers, WOC woman from Los Angeles:"Even though I have been to debuts of Pink Smoke 7 or 8 times now, I can never pass up a chance to attend one more. Not only do I get something out of each viewing but the energy in the room is like an adrenalin high. I leave feeling energized, at peace and full of hope for the future. The same way when I am able to attend a liturgy presided over by a woman priest."
Janice Sevre-Duszynska, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
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