Article by Donna Rougeux ARCWP about Liturgy and Blessing of The Resurrection Community in Cincinnati Ohio on December 14, 2016

Members of Resurrection Community in Cincinnati ,Ohio Blessed Donna Rougeux ARCWP

This was my last liturgy with the Resurrection Community before I move to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ruth Steinertfoot led a dialogue homily about waiting. Many inspirational stories were shared about different experiences people have when they wait for something.

As we wait during this Advent season to celebrate the birth of Jesus we have the powerful image of an expectant mother who teaches us that waiting is about the growth and change that happens before the birth of a new life. Even when we wait for news in the waiting room of a hospital or when we wait to find out how new life will spring from a loss there is within each of us hope that we will be able to survive, grow, learn and become who God designed us to be.

There is great mystery in waiting because we cannot predict the future. Often we get unexpected blessings when we are waiting. We may imagine that we are waiting for one thing and behold something much bigger and more amazing than we could imagine is being born.

I never would have imagined that I would become a Roman Catholic Woman Priest. Even though I did not know what I was being prepared for I do know that I was waiting to meet the Resurrection Community who embraced and nurtured me as I discerned my call to the priesthood. Meeting them and being fed by them gave me the hope and the courage to answer God’s call to something I never dreamed was possible.

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And now I am moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico! Another thing I never dreamed I would be doing! The Resurrection Community surrounded me last night to offer their blessings to me and sing “Bless You My Sister.”  I will carry with me all the things they taught me and continue waiting in confidence that new life is being born in me and in everyone over and over again.