March 25th is World Day of Prayer for Women's Ordination: Actions You Can Take from WOC//Women Priests Invite All to Pray and Act, www.arcwp.org

March 24, 2014

Tomorrow, March 25th, marks the 20th annual World Day of  Prayer for Women's Ordination.  Every year on the feast of the Annunciation, WOC joins the  global women's ordination movement to bring attention  to the issue of women's ordination  and to spread the good news about women's leadership in the church.  Here are 6 ways you take action with us!  1. Pray Prayer for World Day of Prayer for Women's Ordination Ever present God; open the hearts and minds of all people,  and inspire us all to use the unique gifts you have given us  for loving service to each other.  We pray especially now, for those women whose gifts are  best suited to serve your Church as ordained deacons and priests.  Empower them with courage as they answer your call and strengthen  them for humble service,  great compassion, and insightful wisdom.  Support them through their ministries and enlighten the  leadership of your Church to practice the equality that Jesus  modeled to embrace all women and men whom you have  gifted for sacramental service.  Strengthen your Holy Spirit within those you have chosen  for ordained ministry.  May they answer your call and follow you with generous hearts.   We ask this in the name of Jesus, who called  Mary Magdalene and Phoebe - as well as Peter and Paul -  to be ministers in the early Christian communities. Amen 2. Twitter Action Here are some examples of tweets to send on World Day of Prayer. On the Feast of the Annunciation, Catholics around the world  pray for women's ordination in our Church  #ordain women "Every type of discrimination... is to be overcome and  eradicated as contrary to God's intent" Gaudium et Spes, 29  #ordainwomen Like Mary, who freely gave her yes to God to bear Christ  for the world, women called to priestly ministry yearn to  respond YES #ordainwomen As Mary knew: with God all things are possible.  And so we pray for #PopeFrancis & we pray for our  Church #ordainwomen 3. Host a Group Discussion with friends May 22, 2014 will mark the 20th anniversary of John Paul II's  Apostolic Letter Ordinatio Sacerdotalis i n which he attempted to officially ban discussion  about the ordination of women. Use this discussion guide  to host a discussion  about the Vatican's ban. 4. Write Your Letter In preparation for the 20th anniversary of Ordinatio Sacerdotalis,  Women's Ordination Worldwide is collecting letters from the  faithful who recognize that women, like men, are not only created  in God's image but are also called to serve all God's people in  all ways,  including holy orders. A delegation of women's ordination advocates from around the  world will, during a prayerful vigil, hand deliver these letters  to the Vatican.  Contribute a letter for delivery to Pope Francis.  S end your letter through our online form here:  Dear Pope Francis.  The deadline date for contribution is May 15, 2014. 5. Organize a Vigil for Holy Thursday, April 17th Holy Thursday is an important day to witness because  many parish priests gather at the cathedral in the morning  to receive holy oil.  Witnessing at the cathedral exposes the issue of women's  ordination to many priests at the same time.  Holy Thursday is also a celebration of the priesthood;  each year priests renew their promises on this day.  Some groups also protest at nighttime, through the  washing of one  another's feet at parishes where priests refuse  to wash women's feet. 6. Make a Donation Help defray the costs and support our vigil in Rome! Even  a small donation can make a big difference! Click here to help. Thank you for taking action and for your ongoing support!  You are a blessing! For equality, Erin Saiz Hanna