Support People's Catholic Seminary:New Wine in New Wineskins by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

Ordination of Shelley Gilchrist as a priest ARCWP

We need your support for People’s Catholic Seminary because: 

Some women who feel called to priesthood do not have degrees in theology. However, they have years of experience in service in church ministry or related fields such as social work, counseling, education, and health care. In many cases, they are self-educated through reading of contemporary theology and have spent a lifetime sharing their faith in living witness to the Gospel. 

The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests Program of Preparation begins by honoring each person’s spiritual journey and experience of ministry as an integral part of their preparation for priesthood. 

 As Irish theologian Mary T. Malone reminds us, ”the experience of the ordinary day-in, day-out women of Catholicism, can begin to be respected as among the primary bearers of the Faith, and respected, heard and treated as the significant theologians that they are.. …For women have always done theology, and ministry, in both word and deed. Their theology has not necessarily been expressed in tomes or lecture halls, but it is the daily living guide for more than half the Church.” The Elephant in the Church

In ARCWP, our candidates for ordination complete a ten unit, interactive sacramental preparation program in courses that are available online in People’s Catholic Seminary. Topics include contemporary scholarship on God, Jesus, women mystics, church history, sacraments, social justice and pastoral practice

These courses foster 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.  Our resources include scholarship by Elizabeth Johnson, Diarmuid O’ Murchu, Ilia Delio, Matthew Fox and many more.

 Our program continues for life and does not end with ordination. We are a community of life-long co-learners on a journey to spiritual transformation. 

As, new wine in new wineskins, People’s Catholic Seminary is an innovative approach that is open to all who support a renewed priestly ministry in a community of equals. We are building a supportive community of learners for our inclusive Catholic Communities both inside and outside ARCWP. All are welcome to join us on this journey!  The link to our website is www.pcseminary.org