A New Approach to Seminary Education by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP, "Controversy at Irish Seminary Prompts Conversation on Gay Priests" by Bob Shine, Needed Today

Bridget Mary's Response:

This latest clergy sex scandal in Maynooth Seminary, Ireland raises the issue of seminary preparation in a hot-house, isolated clerical setting. A healthier, more holistic approach would be to prepare individuals called to ministry, both ordained and non-ordained, together in an academic spiritual, community-focused approach.

Matthew Fox, one of the great visionaries of our times, proposes that contemporary seminaries move from knowledge factories to wisdom schools.

 The People's Catholic Seminary (PCS), a seminary without walls, offers courses that prepare members of the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests as well as anyone interested in a more contemporary presentation of theology, spirituality and pastoral practices in our church today. PCS offers pathways to theological and ministerial competencies in a renewed priestly ministry that nurtures our baptismal call to live holy lives as midwives of grace in mystical, prophetic, and sacramental communities of equals. Our approach fosters an expanded worldview of our liberating God of compassion present in all and working for justice for all through systemic change. As co-creators and companions on a journey, we share the wisdom of God in our sacred texts, theologies, sacred practices, sacramental celebrations, and lived experiences. This is one approach that will help to free the Roman Catholic Church from clericalism today. 

https://newwaysministryblog.wordpress.com/2016/10/13/controversy-at-irish-seminary-prompts-conversation-on-gay-priests/

"this summer’s controversy at Ireland’s national seminary over the use of a gay dating app by students has quieted, but it has since inspired many worthwhile commentaries on homosexuality, ministry, and the future of the catholic church. today’s post features excerpts with links provided if you would like to read more."

contact us: peoplescatholicseminary@gmail.com, 

Bridget Mary Meehan, www.arcwp.org