Holy Thursday Liturgy: Ecumenical Eucharist with Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community and St. Andrew UCC in Sarasota, Florida

"Come  be beside us, Come be around us, Come be within us, come be among us." by Jan Phillips

Jesus prayed "that all may be one."  Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community and St. Andrew celebrate an open table where all are welcome to receive Communion. On Holy Thursday both communities come together to share our oneness as the Body of Christ around the table. They came to the table 12 at a time. 

People often ask me how are women priests are changing the Catholic Church, my response is that in our inclusive communities all are welcome to receive sacraments. There is room for everyone at the Banquet Table of God's Extravagant love.

As Richard Rohr points out in his book on Jesus plan for a new world,
Jesus didn't instruct his disciples to teach theology, doctrines or creeds or keep laws or do religious rituals,but rather told them to travel lightly, and enter people's home to share meals in table friendship. 

"What Wondrous Love Is This", sung by St. Andrew UCC Choir, Jim Cox on piano

Jesus agenda was not a social program, it was about table friendship that included the poor, prostitutes, tax collectors, lepers, the least and the last. All were welcome at the table. This is the gift that women priests are bringing to the Roman Catholic Church today. Like Jesus, who showed us the way to love and share, there is room at our  table for everyone, Listen to Carrie Newcomer's  beautiful song at the bottom of this post which is one of our theme songs! 



Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP, www.arcwp.org

(Rohr, Jesus Plan for a New World)