Roman Catholic Womenpriests celebrate ordinations in Winona

Dear Sisters and Brothers of RCWP,It is with great joy that I announce the Second priestly ordination and the third diaconate ordination for the Midwest Region. Kathy Redig was ordained a priest on the anniversary of her first communion. Mary Smith and Barbara Zeman were ordained as deacons. Bishop Patricia Fresen ordained and Regina Nicolosi and Alice Iaquinta concelebrated and Judith McKloskey assisted at the altar. Linda Wilcox, Alta Jacko, and Mary Styne served as acolytes. The 260 witnesses joyfully and enthusiastically supported the ordination which was held at Winona State University. Victoria Rue did a wonderful job as M.C. Dagmar Celeste was unable to attend, but was with us in Spirit. We were blessed with excellent musicians, a wonderful site and support persons and great weather. Many volunteers contributed to making the event memorable for us all. Each ordinand wore a handmade stole that carried symbolic meaning for each of them: Kathy's was handwoven by a friend she was in the convent with years ago; Barbara's was created by her from her Grandfather's silk scarf and embroidered with ordination symbols; and Mary's silk stole was hand painted by her sister with symbols of the fire of the Holy Spirit on one side and the waters of creation and baptism on the other. Eucharist was distributed in patens and chalices that were lent to us by the many local clergy of Winona who supported us. Large banners were handmade for Kathy by a friend to use in her future church, which will be called, "All are One." The banners read, "Here we are! We are Ready!" Kathy's husband Robert, crafted the beautiful pine altar from a tree that he and Kathy felled themselves, from their own woods. It too will find its future home in the church they are forming in Winona. This ordination was a communal endeavor in every aspect for all. Tears of joy, many, many hugs, and the g race of the Holy Spirit was with us all.You can contact the newly ordained at:

Mary Smith marysmith98@msn.com,

Barbara Zeman elke@rcn.com

Kathy Redigkrredig@hbci.com

We of the Midwest send our love and blessings to all those who will be ordained in Canada in the coming weeks and to all who have been and will be ordained in the United States this year. May the peace of our brother, Jesus the Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of our God be with you all.smiles, hugs, blessings and love,
alice iaquinta, Midwest Co-administrator