"An Inclusive Catholic Liturgy in Kansas City" by Janice Sevre-Duszynska, ARCWP

Janice Sevre Duszynska ARCWP with Kansas City Women

 

About 45-50 gathered for our first inclusive liturgy last night in Kansas City, MO at a supporter's home and outside terrace. Dee Binda organized the liturgy and her husband Bob gave a helping hand. It was a blessed event. Beforehand I explained a bit of the history of the movement, our ARCWP community and our circle of equals in a renewed priesthood in a reformed Church. We used the Liturgy for Partnership and Equality for Women in Church and Society and readings from Isaiah and Luke's Gospel of Mary's visit to Elizabeth with The Magnificat. "Blessed is she who believed that what our God said to her would be accomplished!" Elizabeth's words to Mary was the focus of the homily. The community expressed their appreciation of the inclusive language and the mutuality within our liturgy: how people read the Eucharistic prayer; how we consecrated the Eucharist together; how they read the Gospel and Old Testament reading; and the mutual blessing. They felt empowered by the liturgy they said. They felt moved when they gave each other the Eucharist saying: "You are the body of Christ." They asked if they should call me mother or another title. I said that "Janice" was fine as we do not want a hierarchy. I was asked to return again as soon as possible. I gave out Roy's new booklet "My Journey from Silence to Solidarity," the Spring SOA Watch "Presente," my card and our brochure. I have asked people who took photos to send them to Bridget Mary. Dee Binda may also write a reflection on the gathering.

Janice Sevre-Duzynska, ARCWP, www.arcwp.org

 

=