Translate

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

"Attending a Magdala Celebration with A Woman Priest Presiding-Rev. Dr. Judy Lee, ARCWP" by Gladys Verplanke















July 24, 2011 A very warm day in Ft. Myers Florida- not the weather but
the feeling of community at Rev. Judy Lee’s Church: the Good Shepherd Inclusive Catholic Community.
Such a nice time and place to celebrate Mary of Magdala’s feast day. She leads a unique mission for the homeless yet I also met University Professors, a group of young people who had attended the Bible Study Camp and every day neighbors who make up her congregation. About 45 people were present in the small building where all are welcome.

In honor of the celebration for Mary of Magdala, Pastor Judy had the children
tell the story of love, honor, and devotion to Jesus that made Mary of Magdala the favorite and most loyal of the Apostles. Jesus loved her. She understood what he was telling the world. She was loyal and was the Apostle who stayed by Jesus as he endured the crucifixion and his death.

She was the first one at the tomb and found it empty. She was the first one
that Jesus appeared to and told her to go tell the rest that he was resurrected. The rest were in hiding in fear. Her courage was noted. The young people also told about Miriam, Mary of Bethany, and Lois and Eunice as the people replied: "We didn't know" their stories. Pastor Judy's 17 year old teaching associate, Efe Cudjoe, then led the congregation in a ritual of being called by name.

I attended the celebration as member of CTA of Southwest Florida and it was wonderful to see the young children understand what Mary of Magdala
and other women in the Scriptures were about.

There was no doubt that the Holy Spirit was present. Rev Judy Lee and
Judy Beaumont are doing such good work with people who are over looked
by the Bishop of Venice. I feel the Holy Spirit is with them and not the
Bishop who turns his back on our female priest and this mission.

Respectfully submitted by:
Gladys Verplanke CTA Member

No comments: