The Spirit of God is rising in the hearts of women across the world who are answering the call to priestly ministry, and the fierce resistance of Church authorities only reveals how profoundly the structures of patriarchy fear the transforming power of Gospel equality.
The very fact that the Vatican felt compelled to strengthen penalties against women’s ordination reveals not the weakness of the movement, but the growing presence and persistence of the Spirit calling women to ordained ministry.
For centuries, women’s ordination was dismissed as impossible or unthinkable. Yet now the institutional Church has codified sanctions because women are actually answering God’s call and communities are affirming their vocations. In this sense, Canon 1379 unintentionally acknowledges that the movement for women’s ordination is real, growing, and impossible to ignore.
Laws often reflect prevailing cultural assumptions, but they are not immutable truths. Canon Law has changed repeatedly throughout Church history in response to new theological insights, social realities, and pastoral needs. The Church once defended slavery, condemned religious freedom, prohibited vernacular liturgy, and marginalized lay participation. Yet over time, under the pressure of the Spirit moving through history and the faithful, teachings and practices evolved. Vatican II itself stands as evidence that profound change is possible within Catholicism.
Feminist theologians such as Elizabeth Johnson, Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, and Phyllis Zagano have already demonstrated convincingly that there is no credible theological basis for excluding women from ordination. Historical scholarship has uncovered evidence of women deacons, women leaders of house churches, and women exercising sacramental ministry in early Christianity. The issue is not a lack of theological grounding. The deeper issue is institutional power and clericalism.
Clericalism protects itself because centralized systems tend naturally toward self-preservation. Pope Francis himself repeatedly identified clericalism as one of the greatest distortions within the Church. When ordination becomes tied to power, privilege, and control rather than service and community, resistance to equality becomes entrenched. Women’s ordination challenges not simply who may stand at the altar, but the very structure of patriarchal authority within the Church.
The institutional Church, like any living organism, seeks stability and resists rapid transformation. Yet living organisms also evolve. The Church has evolved before and will evolve again. What once appeared impossible often becomes inevitable through the persistent witness of courageous communities and prophetic voices.
This is why the Roman Catholic Women Priests movement matters so profoundly. ARCWP and the broader RCWP movement are not merely protesting exclusion; we are already living the future Church now. In our inclusive Catholic communities, we witness shared leadership, baptismal equality, collaborative liturgy, and radical hospitality. We embody a renewed model of priestly ministry rooted not in domination but in service, compassion, and Gospel equality.
The synodal process unfolding in the Church today may indeed help accelerate this transformation because it invites the People of God to speak honestly about their lived realities. Increasingly, Catholics across the world are recognizing the contradiction between proclaiming human dignity while excluding women from full sacramental leadership. The Spirit is raising consciousness within the faithful.
At the same time ,this struggle may require generations of sustained witness. Prophetic movements rarely succeed overnight. Jesus himself encountered fierce resistance from religious authorities invested in preserving existing systems of power. Yet the Gospel seeds he planted eventually transformed the world.
The women priests movement stands in that same prophetic tradition today. Every ordination, every inclusive Eucharist, every woman proclaiming the Gospel and presiding in a community of equals becomes a sacramental sign of hope for the Church’s future.
Canon 1379 should not lead us to despair but to renewed determination. The institutional reaction demonstrates that the movement for women’s ordination has become impossible to dismiss. The conversation is no longer theoretical. Women are already serving faithfully as priests and bishops in communities throughout the world. The question is no longer whether women are called by God, but whether the institutional Church will eventually recognize what the Spirit is already doing among the People of God.
As Scripture reminds us:
“What comes from God cannot be stopped.”
—Acts 5:39
I believe with all my heart that the Spirit is moving powerfully through this movement of holy equality. The path toward justice in the Church may be long and difficult, but the Gospel vision of a discipleship of equals will continue to rise until women, men, and people of all genders- stand together in full sacramental partnership and shared leadership within the Body of Christ. And so, with hope , I extend an invitation to Pope Leo for open and honest conversation with women priests and our inclusive Catholic communities. Come and see the vibrant communities where all are welcomed to the table, where shared leadership replaces clericalism, where the Eucharist is celebrated as the prayer of the whole People of God, and where the gifts of women in ordained ministry are already bearing abundant fruit. The Spirit is speaking through the lived experiences of the baptized, and what comes from the Spirit cannot be stopped. The future of the Church will not be built through fear or exclusion, but through courageous dialogue, mutual listening, and the liberating love of Christ who calls all people equally to serve, preach, and lead.
Footnotes
Code of Canon Law, Book VI, revised by Pope Francis in 2021, Canon 1379 §3.
Canon 1379 §3 states that both the person attempting to confer sacred orders on a woman and the woman attempting to receive ordination incur automatic excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See.
Second Vatican Council, Gaudium et Spes and Sacrosanctum Concilium, Vatican II Documents (1962–1965).
She Who Is; In Memory of Her; Women Deacons?.
See Romans 16:1–2 regarding Phoebe the deacon; also Gary Macy, The Hidden History of Women’s Ordination.
Robert Michels, Political Parties: A Sociological Study of the Oligarchical Tendencies of Modern Democracy (1911).
Pope Francis frequently criticized clericalism, including in his Address to the People of God, August 20, 2018.
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (ARCWP), mission and ministry statements; see also Bridget Mary Meehan, Living Gospel Equality Now.
Final Document of the Synod on Synodality (2024), paragraph 60: “What comes from the Holy Spirit cannot be stopped.”
Welcome to our Inclusive Catholic Community. In the Hebrew Scripture, the Spirit of God is described by the feminine image of the Shekinah, a word that can be translated as “the one who dwells.” On the feast of Pentecost, we celebrate the Holy One of burning bushes as She who dwells, within all and around all.In her radiant presence, we are one people, one Spirit. Each of us is called and gifted with diverse gifts to be witnesses of love- in- action each day. Today we pray, Spirit move in me, move in us!
Gathering Song: Holy Spirit, Move Me Now by Vinesong, Video Mary Theresa
Presider BMM:: Transformation Rite: (Pause briefly. Then extend arm over your heart)
All: I let go into the arms of Boundless Love and Infinite Forgiveness and open myself to Spirit moving within guiding me to healing and wholeness.Amen, Alleluia!
Gloria: Glory to God byMarty Haugen -
Video by Bridget Mary Meehan and Mary Theresa Streck
Presider 1: Holy One, Holy Fire, Creative Energy within us and within all, we open ourselves to a new outpouring of Your Spirit. We celebrate with burning hearts your presence and the warmth of your passionate love.We rejoice in the outpouring of your gifts everywhere as we do all we can to promote justice, equality and peace in our world. We dedicate ourselves to serving our sisters and brothers generously each day. Amen. Alleluia!
Liturgy of the Word:
Reader: Mary Kay
First Reading: A reading from the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28)
Thus says our God: “I will pour out my own Spirit on all of humankind. Your sons and daughters will prophesy; your elder folk shall dream dreams, your children shall see visions and even upon the lowliest, the poor, the woman, the forgotten man, will I pour out my spirit. I will work wonders throughout creation.”
These are the sacred words of the prophet Joel and we affirm them by saying:
All: May it be so! Amen, Alleluia!
Veni Sancte Spiritus- Taize, Video by Mary Theresa Streck (cut at 2.50 approximately)
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
These are the inspired words in the Acts of the Apostles and we respond to them by saying: May it be so, Amen, Alleluia!
Alleluia Alleluia (Eightfold) – Jan Phillips shortened
On the evening of that first day of the week, the doors were locked in the room,
where the disciples were, for fear of the Temple Authorities, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this,
he showed them the marks of crucifixion. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw Jesus,
who said to them again, “Peace be with you. As Abba God sent me, so I am sending you.”
After saying this Jesus breathed on them and said,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.”
This is the inspired words in the Gospel of John and we respond by saying, May it be so, Amen, Alleluia!
Shared Homily
Bridget Mary: Homily Starter:
Homily – “Holy Spirit, Move Me Now… Move Us Now”
There is something powerful about a simple prayer— short enough to remember, honest enough to be real, and bold enough to change us.
Today, that prayer is this: Holy Spirit, move me now. Holy Spirit, move us now.
Not later. Not when we feel ready. Not when everything is figured out.
Now.
Because the Spirit is always moving— the question is whether we are willing to move with Her.
In our tradition, we name the Spirit as Shekinah— the One who dwells.
She dwells within us. She dwells among us. She dwells in the sacred space between us.
This means something radical: we do not have to go searching for God.
God is already here— breathing in us, stirring in us, calling us.
And yet… how often do we resist that movement?
We feel the nudge to speak up— and we stay silent.
We feel the invitation to reach out— and we hesitate.
We sense the call to act for justice— and we tell ourselves, “Someone else will do it.”
But the Spirit keeps whispering: “Move.”
Move beyond fear. Move toward compassion. Move into courage.
And sometimes, if we’re honest, we don’t want to move.
This happened to me when I was called to give my life to God as a nun at 18 years old!
Oh, how I resisted! I remembering an argument with God that went something like this. - if it is like the Nun’s Story- and Mother Superior walks on my newly mopped, clean floor, then I’m going be out of there!
Because movement means change. Movement means risk. Movement means letting go of control.
But Pentecost teaches us this: when the Spirit moves, life expands.
The disciples were locked in a room— afraid, uncertain, stuck.
And then—Spirit.
Wind. Fire. Breath.
And suddenly, they were no longer frozen.
They were alive.
They spoke. They reached out. They crossed boundaries.
The Spirit didn’t just comfort them— the Spirit transformed them.
And that same Spirit is alive in us today.
Not just in extraordinary moments— but in the quiet, everyday invitations to love.
The Spirit moves in us when we listen deeply to another. The Spirit moves through us when we act with compassion.
The Spirit moves in us when we recognize our own sacred worth. The Spirit moves through us when we help others claim theirs.
And here’s the beauty— this is not an individual journey alone.
We pray not only: “Move me now” but also: “Move us now.”
Because the Spirit forms community.
We are not isolated sparks— we are a fire together.
As an inclusive Catholic community, we live this truth.
We gather as a community of equals. We share leadership. We pray the Eucharistic Prayer together.
Why?
Because the Spirit is not poured out on one person alone— but on all.
When we gather around this open table, we are saying:
The Spirit moves in each of us. The Spirit speaks through each of us. The Spirit calls each of us to love-in-action.
So today, I invite you to notice something.
Where is the Spirit trying to move in you right now?
Is Spirit calling you to forgive?
To reach out?
To take a step you’ve been avoiding?
To trust your voice?
(Pause)
And where is the Spirit trying to move us as a community?
Is it calling us to be more inclusive? More courageous? More prophetic in standing for justice and equality?
(Pause)
The Spirit is not static.
The Spirit is always inviting us forward— into deeper love, greater compassion, wider circles of belonging.
So let us not hold back.
Let us not wait.
Let us pray—truly pray— with our whole hearts:
Holy Spirit, move me now. Holy Spirit, move us now.
Move us beyond fear into courage. Move us beyond division into unity. Move us beyond words into action.
And trust this:
When we say yes— even in small ways— the Spirit will take that yes and transform the world through us.
Amen. Alleluia.
Commissioning Ritual: BMM
We now celebrate our commissioning, a celebration of the gifts of the Spirit in the community of faith. We will use the symbols of stoles and anointing with chrism as a reminder of our baptismal call to live the fullness of the gifts of the Spirit in ministry to all.
As you put on your stole/scarf, say
I put on this stole as a symbol of my call to ministry.
As you anoint your hands, pray, say Like Jesus, I anoint my hands as a symbol of my call to live the Gospel.
(music is played softly during this time)
You have Anointed me – shortened – video by MT Streck
We believe in the Holy One, Spirit of Life and Love, who dwells within us and among us, breathing through all creation with wisdom, courage, and compassion.
We believe in Jesus, Spirit-filled prophet and companion, who welcomed the excluded, challenged injustice, healed the wounded, and revealed the sacred dignity of every person.
We believe that the Holy Spirit still moves among us today— in every language and culture, in every gender and generation, in every act of justice, mercy, and peace.
We believe we are called to be a community of equals, where all are welcome at the table, all gifts are honored, and all voices are heard.
We believe the Spirit empowers us to live the Gospel boldly, to care for Earth and one another, to resist oppression, and to build a world rooted in love.
We believe that Pentecost is not only an event of the past, but a living fire within us now— moving us to rise in hope, speak truth with courage, and embody Christ’s compassionate presence in our world.
Amen.
Prayers of the Community
Prayer Leader 2: Anne Cooke
As we prepare for this sacred meal we are aware of our call to serve, and just as Jesus did. We bring to this table our prayers for the community. Please feel free to voice your prayers beginning with the words “I bring to the table….”
(Joan Meehan shares MMOJ Book of Intentions)
Individual Prayers for the community are offered.
Closing Prayer: Anne C
We pray for these and all unspoken intentions. Amen.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist
Presentation of the bread and wine
Presider: Bridget Mary
Blessed are you, God of all life, through your goodness we have bread, wine, all creation, and our own lives to offer. Through this sacred meal we become your new creation.
Presider Andrea : My sisters and brothers, these gifts give glory to the Holy One.
Andrea and All: O Holy One, You dwell in all of us, and you accept our gifts and our worship that we offer in service to our faith community. We do this in memory of our brother, Jesus. Amen.
Eucharistic Prayer
Prayer Leader: Mary Kay
The Holy One, Shekinah, Source of all life, is with you.
Ann and All:
And also with you.
Prayer Leader: Mary Kay
We lift up your hearts.
Prayer Leader: Ann and All
We lift them up to the Holy One, the Love of our Hearts.
Prayer Leader: Mary Kay
We give thanks and praise to our compassionate God.
Prayer Leader Ann and All: It is right to give the Holy One thanks and praise.
Prayer Leader :Mary Kay
Eucharistic Prayer
Preface
Presider: Ann C Holy One, Source of Life, Love Incarnate, and Holy Wisdom, we gather as your beloved community—diverse, gifted, and one in your Spirit. With grateful hearts, we welcome your presence among us, for you are the Shekinah—the One who dwells— pitching your tent within us, between us, and all around us.
Presider: Mary Kay In the beginning, your Spirit hovered over the waters of creation, birthing life in abundance. You spoke through the prophets and the dreamers, through Miriam’s song and Deborah’s courage, through the burning bush that blazed with your presence— a fire that does not consume, but transforms.
On Pentecost, your Spirit burst forth again— not in fear, but in courage, You came as wind and flame, as She who dwells in every language, every culture, every heart.
Presider: Andrea Today, we remember that we are your living body— a community of equals through baptism, each one called, each one gifted, each one beloved. In your radiant presence, we are one people, one Spirit, called to be witnesses of love-in-action in our world. And so, with the angels, saints and all people everywhere, we lift our voices in joyful song:
Presider: Bridget Mary Holy One, you are indeed holy, and your Spirit dwells within all creation. Bless us now as we gather around this table of welcome— an open table where all are invited, where no one is excluded, where love is our only law.
Presider: Andrea Shekinah Spirit, you dwell deeply within us— in our joys and in our struggles, in our questions and in our hopes. You empower us to be your presence in the world: to welcome the stranger, to heal the broken, to stand for justice, and to embody compassion.
Epiclesis:
(All extend hands over the bread and cup and pray)
Presider Bridget Maryand All: You send forth your Spirit—Shekinah, the One Who Dwells— upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine. Holy Spirit, you dwell in these gifts and in us.
On the night before he died, Jesus gathered with his friends, and he took bread, blessed it, broke it, and shared it, saying:
This is my body, given for you and for all. Whenever you do this, remember me.
Presider Andrea and All: After supper, he took the cup, blessed it, and shared it, saying: This is the cup of the new covenant, a promise of love poured out for you and for all. Whenever you drink it, remember me.
Memorial Acclamation
Presider Andrea and All: The mystery of faith: Christ lives in us. Christ loves through us. Christ transforms the world through us.
Presider: Mary Kay Remembering Jesus’ life of radical love, his inclusive table, his justice-seeking heart, and his enduring presence among us, we offer ourselves as living bread for the world.
Presider: Ann C And with all who have gone before us— holy women and men, prophets and apostles, Mary of Nazareth and Mary Magdalene, our ancestors and beloved companions in the Communion of Saints— we lift our voices and proclaim:
Great Amen:
Presider and All: Bridget Mary Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit—She who dwells within all— all glory and honor are yours, Loving God, forever and ever.
Let us join hands, and pray together the prayer that Jesus taught us.
Gracious Spirit, Who loves us like a mother, Whose realm is blooming among us now. And within. We pray that your compassion guide us in every action. Give us what we need for each day, and help us to be satisfied with the miracle of that alone. Forgiver, whose embrace brings us to wholeness without our asking, may we reconcile ourselves to one another in humility. And may we cancel the crushing debts that imprison our neighbors, so that communities of joy and health may flourish. May we neither profit from nor ignore evil. But ever work to thwart it with non-violence, as we co-create the realm of peace in this world, now and each day. Amen. (Bret Hesla/wsj)
Sign of Peace
PresiderMary Kay
Let us offer one another a sign of peace-
All: Namaste, Namaste, Namaste
Prayer for the Breaking of the Bread
Presider:
Presider and All: Ann C
Please join in praying the prayer for the breaking of the bread:
All: Loving God, you call us to live the Gospel of peace and justice.
We will live justly.
Loving God, you call us to be Your presence in the world.
We will love tenderly.
Loving God, you call us to speak truth to power.
We will walk with integrity.
(Presiders hold up bread and wine)
Presider:Mary Kay
Let us pray our communion prayer together. What we have heard with our ears, we will live with our lives; as we share communion, we will become communion, both Love’s nourishment and Love’s challenge. We are the Body and Blood of Christ in our world.
Communion Song: Spirit of the Living God by Michael Crawford-video by MTStreck
Shekinah, Holy Spirit, you who dwell within us and all around us, may we go forth nourished by your gifts to bear witness to you everywhere we go and in the events of every day. May we go forth in the power of your outpouring love energizing us to set the world ablaze in Pentecost joy! Amen! Alleluia
Thanksgiving, Introductions and Announcements
Final Blessing :
Bridget Mary
May the Holy One who is Shekinah— the One who dwells within you and among you— bless you with a deep awareness of her radiant presence in every breath you take and every step you make.
Andrea:
May the Spirit who danced in fire at Pentecost ignite in you courage, compassion, and joy, so that you may be living flames of love in our world.
May you go forth as a community of equals— honoring the sacred gifts within yourselves and one another— welcoming all, excluding none, and embodying love-in-action wherever you are.
Bridget Mary
And when you feel uncertain or weary, may you remember: the Holy Spirit dwells within you—guiding, healing, empowering.
Go now in peace, in unity, and in hope— one people, one Spirit, one love.
All: Amen.
Presider: Bridget Mary
Together, we are one in Christ, loving and serving as God’s holy people. And together we sing, Holy Spirit move me now. Make my life whole again. Holy Spirit, move over me!
Recessional: Holy Spirit Move Me Now by Vinesong, Video by Mary Theresa Streck
