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Saturday, January 9, 2021

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community Liturgy on ZOOM, The Baptism of Jesus Presiders: Joan M. Pesce and Dotty Shugrue ARCWP


 
Zoom link for video Jan. 9, 2021 4 PM Eastern Standard Time

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85108095506?pwd=Y3IyS0xkaWZ1WGRUOXlZMm5qcE1Fdz09

ID 851- 0809-5506

Password 1066

THEME:  The Path to New Beginnings

WELCOME:


DOTTY:  Welcome to our liturgical gathering on this Saturday afternoon.  We rejoice that we can celebrated Liturgy together during these difficult times.  We extend to one another words of welcome and thanksgiving assuring one another that all our welcome to this holy place. 

We invite you to pray the liturgy with us. You will be muted during the liturgy except for the presiders. Un-muting and re-muting yourself is important if you have a reading part.  When speaking a part please follow this process of un-muting and re-muting yourself.  During the shared homily we ask you to unmute yourself to contribute your thoughts and when you are finished, remember to re-mute yourself. Have bread and wine/juice in front of you as we pray our Eucharistic prayer.


Setting of the Theme


JOAN:  Today our theme is the path to new beginnings. Jesus made his first public appearance when he approached John to baptize him.  Jesus’s baptism symbolizes the beginning of his public life, his path to new beginnings. As we celebrate the initiation of Jesus into his world of ministry, let us reflect on the new beginnings before us in this new year of 2021.  We have all faced many new beginnings.  Some born out of joy, blessings and deep happiness, some out of hurt, tragedy, and death. We are a resilient people.  We will not hide from the difficulties before us.  We are a community of believers. Difficult times cannot drag us down.  Together let us stamp our feet and proclaim “we can conquer all things” through the One who walks with us. For “wherever two or more of you are gathered in my Name, there is love.”  We have the love that overcomes fear and gives light to the path of new beginnings.


GATHERING PRAYER


DOTTY:  Today we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.  Jesus is prepared to begin his path to ministry.  Jesus is prepared to gather those around him to teach them, to call them to wholeness, to support them on their paths of new beginnings.  By example he will show them what is important in life.  He will teach them how to serve one another and all those they meet along the path.  We open our hearts and minds to listen to the Voice of the Divine within us and commit to strengthening our inner life and our service to others.


ALL:  SO BE IT


GATHERING SONG:  Anthem by Tom Conry



https://youtu.be/HP2gwC5TGFs


JOAN:  TRANSFORMATION PRAYER:

The suffering being experienced by the people of the world is greater than ever before in our lifetimes.  We commit ourselves to do whatever we can, in any way we can, to alleviate the spread of the virus and to comfort the sick and their families.


ALL:  Transform us O Holy One

It is difficult today to keep our focus on the Divine Presence within in us and within everyone around us.  Peaceful protests are interrupted needlessly.  Racism and white supremacy infiltrate all our structures.  We commit ourselves to speak truth to power.


ALL. Transform us O Holy One


The divisions among our leaders of government work against the needs of our people.   We commit ourselves to support the needs of others in whatever ways we can and to share our faith that goodness will prevail.  


All:  Transform us O Holy One


VOICE 1:  GLORIA


Glory to the Spirit of Life, to the Holy One who surrounds us, who lives within us, whose Sacred Word is shared by us. 


Glory to the Spirit of Life, who offers us peace; peace in our hearts, peace in our thoughts, peace with one another. 


Glory to the Spirit of Life, who cares for the health workers, postal workers, store clerks, garbage collectors and all those who serve our special needs in numerous ways.


Glory to the Spirit of Life, who sent Jesus who teaches us how to live the Gospels, who brings hope and healing to all those in need. 


O Holy One, you are one with us.  We are strong in our faith and will live life in hope and faithfulness to you, to be Church, committed to the message of the Gospels


We depend upon the ever-present Spirit, Wisdom Sophia to walk with us as we journey in the present and rejoice in the life before us.  


All:  Glory to the Spirit of Life


LITURGY OF THE WORD


JUDY:   First Reading: A reading from the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 42: 1 – 4, 6 – 7)

Here is my Servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one, in whom I delight. I have endowed you with my Spirit that you may bring true justice to the nations. You do not cry out or raise your voice or make yourself heard in the street. So gentle that you do not break a bruised reed or quench a wavering flame, faithfully you will bring forth true justice.  You will neither waver nor be crushed until justice is established on earth, for the islands await your teaching.  I, YHWH, have called you to serve the cause of right. I have taken you by the hand, and I watch over you. I have appointed you to be a covenant people,

a light to the nations:

to open the eyes of the blind,

to free captives from prison,

and those who sit in darkness from the dungeon.

These are the inspired words of the prophet Isaiah and the community affirms them by saying

ALL:  So Be it


Reader:   A MEDITATION the Baptism of Jesus New Millennium Church, Little Rock, AR Rev. Wendell Griffen


John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth—what a pair!  But John isn’t the main character in this passage.  John says as much at verses 7 and 8 of Mark 1 when he proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.  I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”  John the Baptist pointed to Jesus, and then beyond Jesus to the Holy Spirit and a baptism that would overshadow his own ministry!

 

It is important that we remember this subversive context for the baptism of Jesus.  The baptism of Jesus wasn’t orchestrated by synagogue and Temple relationships.  John the Baptist understood that he was introducing a new dynamic into faith life when he spoke of another person who would baptize “with the Holy Spirit.”  

 

The baptism of Jesus is, therefore, our introduction to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus came up out of the water and saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him (Mk. 1:10).  Jesus heard “a voice …from heaven… [saying] “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased” (Mk. 1:11).  As radical and subversive as it was for John the Baptist to baptize Jesus, the Voice from heaven was even more radical and subversive.

These are the inspired words of Rev .Wendell  Griffen and the community responds:  ALL:  So Be It 


Gospel

Celtic Alleluia



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1rc7ojQtJU


KEVIN:  A reading from the Gospel according to Mark. (Mark 1:7-11) 

In the course of preaching, John said, “One more powerful than I is to come after me. I am not fit to stoop and untie his sandal straps. I have baptized you with water, but the One to come will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”

It was then that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan River by John. Immediately on coming up out of the water, Jesus saw the heavens opening and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. Then a voice came from the heavens: “You are my Beloved, my Own. On you my favor rests.”


These are the inspired words of the disciple known as Mark and the community affirms them by saying

All:  So be it

Celtic Alleluia



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1rc7ojQtJU


Homily Starter, o


VOICE 2:  PROFESSION OF FAITH:


We believe in our Creator who has not forgotten us and is ever and always present with us.


We believe in Jesus, prophet and teacher, who journeyed on the earth, blessing the sick, making whole the broken, healing many, instilling faith in his followers so that they insure his legacy till the end of time.


We believe in the Cosmic Christ, the everlasting Presence, one with the universe.


We believe in Sacred Spirit, the breath of wisdom Sophia, the power of the winds enwrapping us in glory.


We believe in the communion of saints, our heavenly friends who walk with us in love, who are never far from us, who are separated from us by a mere veil, always near opening our minds to what is difficult to see.


We believe in the partnership and equality of women and men in our Church and our world.  In this space we live our prophetic call of Gospel equality.


VOICE 3: We pause to give praise through our prayer:


As we prepare for this sacred meal, we are aware just as Jesus was as he began his preparation for public ministry, that the needs of our country and our world are many. As both a community and individuals we do our part to be the healing power of Christ as we bring our prayers for the world to this Eucharistic Table.  We voice our intentions today as we pray….


We bring to the table the need for a peaceful transition of our newly elected U.S. leaders, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the coming weeks ….  

     

We bring to the table all those who exercise leadership roles in all faith traditions ….


We bring to the table those who are distributing and inoculating the vaccines to protect all from Covid 19 and the new strain of this virus, as well…


We bring to the table all those who are unemployed and underemployed, for migrants and refugees …


We bring to the table all those who work to promote justice by eradicating sexism, racism, and discrimination of every kind ….


We bring to the table our desire to bring an end to the “arms race” and peaceful ways to resolve conflicts among nations…


We bring to the table our desire to be faithful to our pledge to non-violance in every aspect of our lives…



JOAN:  And for what else should we pray (unmute to be heard, then please mute again)


O Holy One, you know our needs before we even speak. Yet, we must speak, if only to remind ourselves of our responsibility to care for the least among us. With your grace, may we act justly and love tenderly in addressing the needs of our world, and may we walk humbly on the Earth all the days of our lives. 


Response to our prayer:

ALL:  Hear the voices of your people, Spirit of Compassion, that our faith and commitment to action will steer us forward to our commitment to live that for which we pray…


OFFERTORY SONG:  God Beyond All Names, Bernadette Farrell 



https://youtu.be/8K6i08rFlh4


DOTTY:  We are blessed by the Holy One in a multitude of ways.

We have bread made from human hands, and wine made from harvested grapes.  These are gifts of the earth, and together they will become our spiritual food and drink.


With this bread and wine, we pledge ourselves to the teachings of Jesus as revealed in the Gospels.  We accept our call to be present to all persons in our world. We are committed to the teachings and the ministry of Jesus.


All:  The Holy One is praised forever.


JOAN:  With open hands let us pray:


We celebrate, O Holy One, the Baptism of Jesus, we pause to remember what it means to be baptized.  As Jesus began his public life by asking John the Baptist to baptized him we too are reminded that we have a public life to lead as a believer.

the first step in the beginning of the public witness, his Baptism by John.  After he was Baptized Jesus went into the desert for 40 days.  It was in the quiet of the desert Jesus formulated his path of new beginnings, He was tempted to take the easy road yet he stayed faithful to his call. He gained strength to face the challenges of his mission. The time Jesus spent caring for his spiritual life nurtured his soul and he met the challenge.




Holy, Holy, Holy


Here in This Place by Christopher Grundy


https://youtu.be/sgkWXOSGmOQ

 

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER


VOICE 4:  We are reminded today that we too are called through our Baptism to share our faith bringing hope to one another.  We commit ourselves to live the ministry of the Gospels as we speak clearly with respect and love, as we challenge the contradictions within our society especially during these times of division and fear.  We remind ourselves daily to remain faithful by witnessing to our commitment to  non-violence in our words and our actions.  We are called to the inner life, our spiritual life, to be open to the new beginnings in our lives. We walk with Jesus seeking wisdom and peace. We count on one another for love and support.


(Hold your hand over bread and wine) 


JOAN:  Jesus, we celebrate the last meal you had with your followers. We call upon Sacred Spirit, ever and always with us, to bring blessing on this bread and wine as they are made sacred through our faith in the presence of Christ with us. 


During Jesus’s life on earth, he lived and died loving the poor, healing the sick and challenging the injustices within society.  Because of his ministry, Jesus was feared by the authorities of his day, and they sought out ways to bring him to his death.


On the night before he faced his own death, Jesus sat at the Seder supper with his companions and friends.  He reminded them of all that he taught them, and to fix that memory clearly with them, he bent down and washed their feet. 

 

All lift plates and pray the following:


DOTTY:  When he 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) 

 

All lift the cup and pray the following:


Then he 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) 


What we have heard with our ears, 

we will live with our lives.  

As we share communion, 

we will become communion 

both love's nourishment and love's challenge.


Let us share this bread and cup to proclaim and live the gospel of justice and peace, remembering that we are bearers of light and hope.


You are the Christ alive today.


Everyone consumes the bread and wine at this time


Communion Meditation/Song:  I Will Surrender – Karen Drucker



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPXoKvBReZ8&t=29s


VOICE 5:  Sacred Spirit, We rejoice that the Universal Christ remains always and ever present within and around us. We remember all those who have transitioned from life on earth to complete union with the Sacred Presence: Mary of Nazareth and all great saints, prophets and martyrs.  We remember our sister priests, strong extraordinary women: Adele, Judy, Tish, Joan and Michele.  We remember, too, family members and friends.  We remember all those whose lives have been lost to Covid, to war, to racism and all other “isms” that exist in our world.  And we remember those you wish to be remembered….  (pause and remember your loved ones) 

All are beloved souls who have blessed our lives and who continue to inspire us.

And we respond together:


All:  So be it


VOICE 6:  Let us pray as Jesus taught us:


O Holy One, who is within, around and among us, 

We celebrate your many names. 

Your Wisdom come, 

Your will be done, unfolding from the depths within us.

Each day you give us all we need. 

You remind us of our limits, and we let go. 

You support us in our power, and we act with courage, 

For you are the dwelling place within us,  

the empowerment around us, 

and the celebration among us, now and forever.  Amen  

(Miriam Therese Winter) 


Maryal: Let us share any gratitude’s we hold in our hearts.


Announcements


Blessing


Maryal:  Let us raise our hands and bless each other.


May we seek truth boldly and love deeply.

May we welcome opportunities to birth the Christ in all those we meet.

May we live our baptismal call, travel the distance reaching out to those in need and assist them with our support. 

May we continue to be the face of the Holy One, and 

May we  be a blessing in our time.


Prayer for Saturday for vow of non-violence:


Before God the Creator and the Sanctifying Spirit, I vow to carry out in my life the love and example of Jesus, by actively resisting evil and working nonviolently to abolish war and the causes of war from my own heart and from the face of the earth.  God, I trust in Your sustaining love and believe that just as You gave me the grace and desire to offer this, so You will bestow abundant grace to fulfill it.  

Submitted by Pax Christi USA –Manasota Chapter, Florida


Before we leave our celebration today let us pause and reflect on the gift of each person with us and extend a silent virtual greeting of peace as we listen to this beautiful Song. 


Closing Song:  Please join us in singing Namaste.


 


https://youtu.be/Hxf8QFTkYY8

If you want to add an intercession to our MMOJ Community Prayer book, please send an email to katyrcwp@tampabay.rr.com

If you want to invite someone to attend our liturgy, please refer them our website at MaryMotherofJesus.org      

To support our community, please send your check to:

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community

St Andrew UCC, 6908 Beneva Rd, Sarasota, Florida 34238


Thursday, January 7, 2021

A Prayer for Unity in Diversity at this Time of Crisis by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

Let us pray for a peaceful transition of power in the inauguration  of President Joe Biden as president and Kamala Harris as vice-president . 

Response: Holy One, we believe that you speak and work through us. 

Let us pray and pledge ourselves to work for equality and justice for everyone in our country-no exceptions as we confront discrimination and conspiracy theories that are rooted in hatred, untruth, and threats of violence.

Response: Holy One, we believe that you speak and work through us. 

Let us pray for wisdom for our political leaders as they respond to the assault on the Capitol yesterday. 

Response: Holy One, we believe that you speak and work through us. 

Let us pray and pledge ourselves to foster unity in diversity in our country.  

Response: Holy One, we believe that you speak and work through us. 

Let us pray that  all civil and military leaders will follow their oath to the Constitution.

Response: Holy One, we believe that you speak and work through us. 


Let us pray and pledge ourselves to treat others with kindness.

Response: Holy One, you you speak and work through us. 


 Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

https://arcwp.org

sofiabmm.bmm@gmail.com

https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/trump-us-capitol-secured-dc-protest/

"At least four people are dead after supporters of President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, forcing Congress to evacuate as lawmakers counted electoral votes to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the November election. The chaos erupted shortly after Mr. Trump gave a speech once again falsely claiming to have won a second term and vowing "we will never concede."

One woman was shot and killed by police after breaching the Capitol and attempting to enter the House chamber. Three others died as a result of "medical emergencies," according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

Troops from Virginia, Maryland and the D.C. National Guard were deployed to help quell the violence. Several hours after the initial breach, law enforcement announced the Capitol had been secured.

As the chaos ensued, Mr. Trump told his supporters to go home but repeated the false, inflammatory claim that the election had been stolen. "We have to have peace, we have to have law and order," the president said.

Police said 52 arrests were made Wednesday. Four were related to weapons charges and six firearms were recovered. Two pipe bombs, one near the Republican National Committee and one near the Democratic National Committee, were also recovered, along with a cooler filled with Molotov cocktails.

The Senate and House both reconvened late Wednesday to resume counting the Electoral College votes. "The United States and the United States Congress have faced down much greater threats than the unhinged crowd we saw today," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "We've never been deterred before and we'll not be deterred today."


U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber on January 6, 2021, in Washington.

 

U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber on January 6, 2021, in Washington.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Epiphany- Jan. 6th- Women's Christmas- in Ireland, "The roots and traditions of Nollaig na mBan" by Marion McGarry, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology

 https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2020/0102/1103975-the-roots-and-traditions-of-nollaig-na-mban/


Analysis: there are many Irish folk rituals associated with January 6th, the last day of Christmas and the day known as Nollaig na mBan

"The twelfth and final day of Christmas, January 6th, was known in Ireland as Nollaig na mBan or Women’s Christmas or Little Christmas. As a reward for their hard work over the Christmas season, it was a day off from all house work for women and traditional roles were supposed to be reversed in the home: men did the women’s work in the house while women rested and gathered together informally.

The custom was that women made social calls to the homes of their friends and neighbours and enjoyed tea and the last of the Christmas cake. However, as it occurred on the very last day of the Christmas, it was acknowledged by some that the treats the women enjoyed were the dregs or leftovers of the festive season. This was unlike the men’s Christmas, Christmas Day, when everyone enjoyed the first and finest of the treats."....

https://www.rte.ie/bosco/components/player/iframe.html?clipid=21488511&autostart=false&src=HSFB&fbclid=IwAR0_5o3bYbOAxA1aJbhM-5R78l-yp2Tb8ocwlTm_Y7cfakpNOoy-KluChQ8

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

People's Catholic Seminary- Fundraiser- Thank You Donors, Bridget Mary Meehan



Your financial gifts will enable People's Catholic Seminary to offer more courses and to procure the software to grow our programs for transformation, empowerment and equality. Thank you for your generosity! Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP and Mary Theresa Streck ARCWP. To donate: https://pcseminary.org/contact-us


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. In 2021, check out our offerings. We are building a supportive community of learners for our inclusive Catholic Communities both inside and outside ARCWP and inside and outside Christianity. All are welcome to join us on this journey!  The link to our website is 

www.pcseminary.org

https://www.globalministriesuniversity.org/links/

Monday, January 4, 2021

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