Bridget Mary's Blog: 3/1/20

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Rev. Annie Watson ARCWP Celebrates 4th Year as Assisting Priest at St. Stanislaus in St. Louis

Annie Watson ARCWP on Fourth Anniversary of priestly ministry at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, St. Louis, Missouri

On Sunday, March 1, St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in St. Louis, Missouri celebrated the four year anniversary of Rev. Annie Cass Watson's tenure there as an Assisting Priest. The parishioners at St. Stanislaus affectionately refer to her as "Mother Annie." The celebration included a cake, flowers, and fellowship. Annie spoke at each Mass, thanking them for their hospitality and willingness to accept a woman priest. Annie was called to be the first women priest in the 140 year history of this church. Fr. Marek Bozek, the Pastor, serves as her mentor and friend.

"Jesus Christ, the Feminist Who Unlocked Women's Potential" by By Damaris Parsitau

https://www.theelephant.info/features/2020/03/06/jesus-christ-the-feminist-who-unlocked-womens-potential/

"Why does the church exclude women in its leadership, despite the pivotal role they play in the very life and sustenance of churches? Why is it silent in the face of so much suffering, pain and violence? Why is it not ordaining women? How can the church become progressive and radical in its thoughts and put the welfare of women and children at the centre of its theologising? In the words of Dorothy Sayers, perhaps it is no wonder that women were first at the cradle and last at the cross. They had never known a man like Jesus – a prophet and teacher who never nagged them, never flattered them, never dismissed their voices and talents, never patronised or cat-called them. For the Christian woman, Jesus is not just the ideal friend and companion, he is also the one who has their backs."

Read more at: https://www.theelephant.info/features/2020/03/06/jesus-christ-the-feminist-who-unlocked-womens-potential/
The Elephant - Speaking truth to power.

Sign Up Now for One-Day Retreat at Solas Bhride, Kildare, Ireland - August 8, 2020

Come join Bridget Mary Meehan and Mary Theresa Streck for a one-day retreat at Solas Bhride Center, Tully Road, Kildare Town Co. Kildare, Ireland. The one-day retreat focuses on sacred practices and compassionate action for personal and social transformation.

20 Euros - Retreat limited to 20 participants
Bring a lunch and food to share.

Register now at: https://pcsretreatholymystery.blogspot.com
For more information contact Bridget Mary at sofiabmm@aol.com

Proudly Sponsored by: Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
https://arcwp.org/ and People's Catholic Seminary
https://pcseminary.org/

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Celebrate International Women's Day by Sharing New Documentary that Includes Ordination of a Woman Priest- Film in German With English Subtitles- Marie 2.0 Movement

Ordination of Shanon Sterringer ARCWP in Linz, Austria on August 3, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW2L1iXzK9I

https://www.ardmediathek.de/ard/player/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS9hZXgvbzEyMDg2NTk?devicetype=pc&fbclid=IwAR2bwUdN-stslLSQ1VdKVpCww6ttvsfAa5gztmQoIIyjoafaJOTstr76xyU

See clip of ordination of Shanon Sterringer ARCWP approximately 26 minutes into the film.
26.08-30.13

Dr. Shanon Sterringer, ARCWP, was ordained a priest in Linz, Austria - August 3, 2019

Left to right: Bishop Mary Eileen Collingwood ARCWP, Shanon Sterringer ARCWP and Bishop Christine Mayr Lumetzberger RCWP

Mary Magdalene Revealed, The First Apostle, Her Feminist Gospel and the Christianity We Haven's Tried Yet by Meggan Watterson

“Every nature, every modeled form, every creature, exists in and with each other.” This is how the Gospel of Mary opens after the initial missing pages, and I am not sure if there was ever a more eloquent way to describe love. It’s not a love we’ve seen in practice very often. Sometimes, in moments of crisis. But it’s a love that renders us all equal. It’s a love that says I am not separate from you. We exist in and with each other. It’s a love that reaches everything, and everyone. If we all exist in and with each other, then we are all inextricably connected. There is no stranger, no immigrant, no alien, no other." Gospel of Mary, Mary Magdalene Revealed

"We See Transformation All Around Us", Homily at Holy Spirit Catholic Community, Second Sunday of Lent, March 8, 2020, Beverly Bingle RCWP

In the late ‘60s
Malvina Reynolds, Alan Greene, and Harry Belafonte
wrote the hit song Turn around:
“Where are you going my little one, little one,
Where are you going, my baby my own,
Turn around and you’re two, turn around and you’re four,
Turn around and you’re a young girl going out of the door.”
We know exactly what that kind of transformation is.
We’ve been through it.
It’s transfiguration.
It’s a mother going from the pain of birthing
to the joy of holding her baby.
It’s seeing the difference between
the ambulance ride to the hospital
and the ride home to the family.
And it’s not just in human beings:
caterpillars turn into butterflies, and eggs hatch into chicks.
This past week I spotted the green blades of daffodils
pushing their way through the drifts of brown leaves
in the garden.
We see transfiguration all around us.
__________________________
Just as important as the story of Jesus’ transfiguration
is the story of transfiguration of the DISCIPLES
through THEIR EXPERIENCE of Jesus.
Matthew paints it in a mythical scene—
the high mountain that stands for God’s presence,
the bright light,
the intimate connection with Moses the lawgiver
and Elijah the prophet,
the idea of setting up tents
like the ones that sheltered the Israelites
on their journey to the promised land.
Matthew uses those references to Jewish history
to communicate the disciples’ growing vision of Jesus
as much, much more than a carpenter from Nazareth.
They understand that they are to LISTEN to him.
It’s like God is speaking.
__________________________
Matthew follows this transfiguration scene
with nine chapters of parables and healings,
each piece showing another detail
that confirms the disciples’ understanding of Jesus
as the “chosen one,” the “long-awaited Messiah.”
The disciples come to the understanding
that Jesus is the beloved Son of God.
They are called to FOLLOW him.
Like Abram and Sara, who are called away
from the security of country, people, and parents...
like Paul, who is called from persecuting Christians...
like their ancestors in faith...
Peter, James, and John, are called to leave everything
and walk in the way of Jesus.
__________________________
We answer calls in our own lives.
Maybe we look at our job
and dream of something more fulfilling.
My brother Bob saw his life as working in an office 50 weeks a year
so he could go fishing for two weeks.
So he walked away
from that high-paying corporate management job
to start a charter fishing business.
Or maybe we look around and see that important parts of our life
are being put on the back burner.
My brother Bill turned down the Houston Oilers and the Buffalo Bills
so he could put his highest priority on his young family.
__________________________
You all do it, sometimes in a big way,
but more often in the ordinary daily choices you make.
Just look around this room, this high mountain in Toledo.
Why do Tom and Mary Jean pack up
and go all over God’s green earth to visit their kids,
or see their grandkids graduate, or play a basketball game,
or get confirmed?
Why does Megan spend all that time preparing classes,
teaching, researching, writing, and meeting with students?
Why did Fidelis go to Haiti to work with the poorest of the poor?
Why does Sue, with that nagging back pain,
come here week after week, all the way from Whitehouse,
to minister to us with her music?
Why is Sallie planning her retirement
around involvement with social justice organizations?
Why do Anne and Tom work
to bring social justice activists like Kathy Kelly to speak here?
Why work for peace and justice, why teach,
why advocate for a clean Lake Erie, why Tree Toledo,
why volunteer in a soup kitchen or a pantry,
why haul Meals on Wheels to seniors,
why go to City Council hearings, why go to Dining for Women, why help the downtrodden
get a driver’s license or a birth certificate…
the list goes on and on.
__________________________
More than that,
why aren’t the first responders rushing in here every weekend
when YOUR bright light is sending out a glow all over town?
Like Peter, I should build tents for each one of you
because it’s obvious that the spirit of God is in you.
You shine like the sun!
Thanks be to God!

Public Domain

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Be Part of the World's Healing Everyday by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

I see the face of Christ everyday at McDonalds. Most days I go there to enjoy ice coffee and a protein bar. I never know who is going to show up on any given day. Today, I picked up Carol, seated below and brought her with me where we met Judy, Steve and Randall.

Judy, (left) standing next to Steve, runs a clothing outreach at a local Baptist Church. Steve is having problems getting used to his new teeth. Carol, who has difficulty walking, is seated at the table.

Randall likes to read the newspaper and solve puzzles. He is presently unhoused and comes into McDonalds for a sandwich and coffee.

I enjoy my conversations with Paul who shelters a homeless man, in his home. Paula and Dotty who are regulars were not able to come today. Paula was taking care of her daughter who is seriously ill. In this photo Paul is conversing with Carol.

A Reflection:
Look around and see the light that endures in every person especially in those who are struggling with different kinds of special needs.

Offer tender care and comfort.

Do small acts of kindness.

Speak words of encouragement.
"I am with you."

"Don't be afraid."

"You are not alone. "

Be part of the world's healing every day!
Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community @ Sun City Center March 5 2020 Lent: Time of Reflection

Opening Image by “Aalmeidah-Pixabay”

MMOJ community members anointed one another for health during coronavirus outbreak.

All: Infinite God in whom I live and move and have my being (arms outstretched), Holy Spirit Sophia in every person and all Communities (hands in Namaste position, bowing to person across from you), Inner God, my brother Jesus: I am your light for the world (hands crossed over heart) Amen.

Presider: God lives within us all. All: And also, within you.

Opening Prayer, All: Loving Companion, I open myself this Lent to go deep into my heart where you dwell in infinite goodness. May I let go of anything that prevents me from seeing, feeling, thinking or acting according to your Way of Loving and serving. May I grow in kindness, compassion and joy in my thoughts, actions and ministry. Amen*

Communal Reconciliation Rite

Presider: We pause now to remember the times that opposing forces have influenced us and pray that we will make wise choices according to our best selves to grow more deeply loving in challenging relationships and situations. Recall one missed opportunity, one broken or damaged relationship. Now imagine this person or situation in the light of divine healing love as we ask for forgiveness, and make wise choices according to our best selves.

(Pause)

Presider: Let us extend our arms in a sign of mutual forgiveness as we pray:

All: I love you, Please forgive me, I am sorry, I thank you.

See Sheet for Readings

First, Psalm Response:

Second,

Gospel reading

Shared Homily: See questions under readings

Profession of Faith. All: We believe in God who is calling us to spend these 40 days in time set aside for reflection on our faith, hope, thoughts, words and actions.

We believe in Jesus Christ our brother and Beloved Son of God who spent time in the desert in prayer and wrestling with his human temptations before beginning his own ministry of teaching, healing and forgiving.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the breath of Wisdom Sophia who was present with Jesus in the desert and is present with us now. Sophia calling us forward on our journey of spiritual evolution into Love as our Brother Jesus lived.

May we spend these days in reflection so we might grow more Loving as we minister for justice, peace and equality with our own lives and in our communities.

We believe in the Communion of Saints our heavenly friends and family, who support our spiritual transformational journey while on earth. We believe Sophia your Spirit is guiding us as we live in the Holy Mystery of Creation. Amen.

Presider: O Great Love, thank you for living and loving in and through us. May all that we do flow from our deep connection with you and all beings during our Lenten journey. Help us become a community that vulnerably shares each other’s burdens for healing of body, mind and soul.

Response: Listen to our hearts’ longings for the healing of your world.

Please add your own intentions

Presider: Knowing you are hearing us better than we are speaking, we offer these prayers in all the holy names of God.

All: Amen

PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS

Presider: Blessed are you, O Loving God. This bread is your MMOJ community in our Lenten reflections as we try to follow the Path of Jesus. Made by human hands, we have this bread to offer, it will become for us the Bread of Life. ALL: Praise to God, fill us with your Easter hope to come.

Presider: Blessed are you, O God, Creator of all. This wine is our desire to gather in prayer and worship that we might have a fruitful Lent filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Through your divine providence, we have this wine to offer, it will become our spiritual drink. ALL: Praise to God, fill us with your Easter hope to come.

All: Divine Presence, we are united in this sacrament by the love of our Brother Jesus Christ and all who seek to be the Compassion of Jesus this Lenten season across our world and in our time. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer. All Sing: We are holy holy holy (x3) We are whole; You are holy holy holy (x3) You are whole; I am holy (x3) I am whole; We are holy holy holy (x3) We are whole.

Presider: Please extend your hands in blessing.

All: We are ever aware of your Spirit in us and among us at this Eucharistic table and we are grateful for this bread and wine which reminds us of your presence with us now and our call to be the Body of Christ in the world.

All: On the night before he faced his own death, Jesus sat at supper with his companions and friends. Jesus reminded them of all that he taught them, and he bent down and washed their feet.

Presider lifts plate as the community prays the following:

All: When Jesus returned to his place at the table, he lifted the bread, spoke the blessing, broke the bread and offered it to them saying: Take and eat, this is my very self.

(pause)

Presider lifts the cup as community prays the following:

All: Then Jesus took the cup of the covenant, spoke the grace, and offered it to them saying: Take and drink.

Whenever you remember me like this,

I am among you.

(pause)

All: Let us share this bread and cup to proclaim and live the gospel of Justice and Peace.

All (2nd Invocation of Spirit, with hand on each other’s right shoulder): Like Jesus, we open ourselves up to your Spirit Sophia, for it is through living as Jesus lived, loving and healing others we awaken to your Spirit within each of us this Lent, moving us to glorify you, at this time and all ways.

Prayer of Jesus “Our Father and Mother”

Song of Peace Joy is flowing like a river, flowing out of you and me, flowing out into the desert, setting all the persons free. Peace is flowing...Hope is flowing…Alleluia

Litany for Breaking of Bread.

All: Holy One, we will serve the least and the last.

Holy One, we will care for our sisters and brothers in need.

Holy One, we will advocate for justice and peace.

Presider: Jesus came to liberate, heal and transform each of us and all of us in Your world. All are invited to partake of this banquet of love and to live as the Heart and Hands of our Cosmic Christ. All: We are the Body of Christ, in our place and time.

Prayers of Gratitude from community

Final Blessing.

All (hand extended over community):

May Holy Sophia, guiding Spirit nudge you to pay attention when opposing forces within tug and pull and you are caught in the tension of choices. May you trust that Holy Sophia will continually lead you to make wise decisions toward the good. Amen**

Presider: Let us go forth as members of Mary Mother of Jesus on our Lenten journey. May we with Jesus celebrate our resurrection on Easter Sunday.

All: Thanks be to God.

*Opening Prayer: Joyce Rupp: Jesus, Friend of My Soul,

** Final blessing: Joyce Rupp: Jesus Friend of My Soul, adapted from p. 17.

Opening Image by “Aalmeidah-Pixabay”

Thanks to and adapted from a liturgy by Michael and Imogene Rigdon of MMOJ-Sarasota

First Reading: from Joyce Rupp “Jesus, Friend of the Soul”

“By spending time with the qualities of Jesus, we are able to become more acquainted with his personal traits of goodness. We do so by going to where his Spirit stays-in the home of our hearts and the larger dwelling place of the world. As our hearts ignite with a renewed desire to give ourselves more totally to the abiding love of Jesus, we become credible invitations for others to come and see this divine Companion who enthralls us with his Beloved Presence.”

Reflection: When do you feel the Beloved Presence of Jesus? What are the qualities of Jesus that come to your mind? Will you follow where they lead this Lenten reflection time?

Psalm 140 From Psalms for Praying; Nan Merrill