Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Diverse Congregations Welcome The Historic Ordinations of Roman Catholic Women Deacons in Florida

On Dec. 5, 2009 Dena'O Callaghan and Katy Zatsick were ordained as deacons in the Roman Catholic Women Priests. This historic occasion marks the first ordinations of women priests in Florida and the combining of two congregations served by women priests and representing the inclusive church that is not of the future but is here now.

Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan presided, Judy Lee , the Regional Administrator, was the MC and Eleonora Marinaro, the Regional Coordinator, presented the women to the assembly. Linda Miska was the Music Director and Michael Rigdon, Jack Duffy and Jack Meehan the Music Ministers. The Good Shepherd Inclusive Catholic Community, of Ft. Myers, and the Mary, Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community of Sarasota participated enthusiastically. On this holy day, we were one church, well to do and poor, male and female, black and white, the once homeless and those with homes, born Americans and strangers in the land. We came together to celebrate Dena and Katy, Deacons,called to serve the people of God.

Pastol Phil Garrison, welcomed the assembly, to the United Church of Christ , the first church to ordain a woman Pastor in 1956. At the Table all were welcomed. Co-celebrants were: Michael Rigdon, John O'Callaghan, and David Gabhouri, married priests, Phil Garrison, United Church of Christ Pastor, and Eleonora Marinaro and Judy Lee, women priests with Bridget Mary Meehan, Bishop of the Southern Region presiding.

At the closing of the litrgy Corpus, represented by Michael Rigdon presented Katy and Dena with pyxes. And, Hank Tessndori, an artist from the Good Shepherd Community presented Bridget Mary and the Southern Region with a prophetic and beautiful painting entitled: Women At the Table.

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