ARCWP Candidates Meet with Members of Mary Mother of Jesus Community in Sarasota, Fl. to Discuss Sacrament of Baptism

Left to right: Sherry Robertson, Katy Zatsick, Sally Brochu, Janet Blakeley, Don Thompson

On Sat. Aug. 22nd Sally Brochu and Janet Blakeley met with Katy Zatsick, their ARCWP  Program Coordinator, and one of the co-pastors of Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community.  Rev. Don Thompson,  UU Church in Bradenton and MMOJ in Sarasota, Sherry Robertson, poet and artist and Bridget Mary Meehan - all members of Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community to discuss the Sacrament of Baptism, which is one of the units in the preparation program for the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests. Our model of priestly ministry is non-clerical and focuses on oneness with the people with whom we serve. Our vision is a discipleship of equals.  www,arcwp.org

Left to right: Bridget Mary Meehan, Katy Zatsick, Sally Brochu, Janet Blakeley, Don Thompason

Both Sally and Janet had prepared papers based on their prayerful reflection and study. We discussed the meaning, theology, and the centrality of Baptism as initiation into the Christian Community, including pastoral considerations in a renewed, inclusive priesthood and the prophetic witness to justice and equality at the heart of our baptismal call in an egalitarian, empowered community.

Art by Sherry Robertson

Baptismal Mysteries

You poured forth the waters of life.

For years it rained,

Filling the empty spaces of my life with tears,

Sadness that could not be contained 

Even in shadowy vessels of life

Hidden in the density of earth.

For years it rained,

Waters of sadness, soft and dark as the night.

Blessed rain to wash away the pain,

Sharp, shared,

Often searing human pain.

I still walk in the rain,

Allowing her soft touch to anoint me

Drawing me upward,

Growing me deeper into Light,

Growing me deeper into Love,

Greening the Soul.

Poem by Sherry Robertson

Left to right; Sherry Robertson, Katy Zatsick, Sally Brochu, Janet Blakeley, Don Thompson