Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests Ordination to Diaconate of Elaine Pfaff and Rosemary Ellis Robinson, Ordaining Bishops Bridget Mary Meehan and Mary Eileen Collingwood

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwAXd-qbC4c

Crown Plaza Hotel

Ft. Myers, FL

July 7, 2022

1:30 PM

https://youtu.be/VwAXd-qbC4c

WELCOME

Shelley Gilchrist: Welcome to the public ordination of

                               Elaine Pfaff and Rosemary Ellis Robinson as deacons.    

                               Please stand and join in singing our Opening Song: 

                               All Are Welcome! 

https://youtu.be/FhPnjA7wsIY

OPENING PRAYER

BMM:  We gather joyfully for this ordination and we begin in the name of God, Source of all Being, Eternal Word and Holy Spirit,

ALL:    Amen.

BMM:  Our God is with you.

ALL:    And also with you.

BMM:  Let us pray:  Loving God, Jesus, our brother, taught the disciples 

              not to be served but to serve.  We pray for Elaine and 

              Rosemary that they may serve their sisters and brothers.  May 

              they be effective in their work and persevering in their prayer,  

              performing their ministries with compassion and concern for all.  

ALL:    Amen.

Shelley: Please be seated.

PRESENTATION of CANDIDATES FOR DIACONATE

Shelley: We will now present our candidates for the diaconate. 

Dotty Shugrue: On behalf of the assembled community and the 

                Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests, I call forward 

                Elaine Pfaff.

Elaine:    Here I am. I am ready.

Dotty:     Dear Bishop, the holy Church asks you to ordain our sister, 

                Elaine, to the diaconate.

BMM:    Do you know if she is ready?

Dotty:    Those responsible have been asked.  They testify that they find

               her ready.  Mary-Ellen Caiafa (via Zoom or Ann Harrington if in-

               person) is here to give witness and represent the church, the Body 

               of Christ, as we present Elaine for ordination.

Ann H.: On behalf of the assembled community and the Association of 

               Roman Catholic Women Priests, I call forward Rosemary Ellis 

               Robinson.

Rosemary: Here I am. I am ready.

Ann H.:       Dear Bishop, the holy Church asks you to ordain our sister, 

                     Rosemary to the diaconate.

BMM:         Do you know if she is ready?

Ann H.:       Those responsible have been asked.  They testify that they 

                     find her ready.  Cathy Collins is here to give witness and 

                     represent the church, the Body of Christ, as we present 

                     Rosemary for ordination.

BMM/MEC:  In the name of Jesus, we choose you, Anne, Elaine and 

                        Rosemary as deacons.  

ALL:     Thanks be to God.  

Shelley:  Let us signify our approval by singing "Amen."

LITURGY OF THE WORD

Reading 1: Isaiah 61:1-3 - read by the Deacon Candidates

Ordination – July 7, 2022

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading:

Isaiah 61:1-3

A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah

The Spirit of God is upon me, 

For the Holy One has anointed me:

God has sent me to bring good news to those who are poor;

to heal the broken hears. 

To proclaim release to those held captive

And liberation to those in prison,

To announce a Year of favor from God,

And the day of God’s vindication

To comfort all those who mourn

To provide for those who grieve in Zion-

To give them a wreath of flowers instead of ashes,

The oil of gladness instead of tears, 

A cloak of praise instead of despair.

They will be known as trees of integrity.

Planted by the Holy One to display God’s glory.

These are the inspired words of the prophet Isaiah and we respond to them by saying Thanks be to God. 

Psalm Response: The 23^rd Psalm - Bobby McFerrin 

https://youtu.be/000AuO_lBJk

Reading 2: Romans 16: 1-5 – read by Dotty Shugrue

A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church of Cenchrea. Welcome her, in the name of our God, in a way worthy of the holy ones, and help her with her needs. 

She has looked after a great many people, including me. 

Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila; they were my coworkers in the service of Christ Jesus, and even risked their lives for my sake.

Not only I, but all the Churches of the Gentiles, are grateful to them. 

Remember me also to the congregation that meets in their home.

Greetings to my beloved Epaienetus, he is the first convert to Christ from Asia. 

These are inspired words of Paul and we affirm this by saying, Thanks be to God. 

Gospel Acclamation: Sung, choice of cantor

Gospel: Luke 6: 37-38 – proclaimed by Bridget Mary Meehan

A Reading from the Gospel of Luke

Be compassionate as your Loving God is compassionate.

Don’t judge and you won’t be judged.

Don’t condemn and you won’t be condemned.

Give and it will be given to you; a full measure- packed down, shaken together and running over- will be poured into your lap. 

For the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back.

These are inspired words from the writer known as Luke, and we affirm them by saying, Thanks be to God. 

HOMILY

Homilist: Mary Eileen Collingwood

ORDINATION RITE

Shelley:  As the People of God gather in hope and love, we now invoke the Spirit of God within these women called to serve as deacons, and within us all. 

Hymn to the Holy Spirit: Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come Holy Spirit)

Text: Come Holy Spirit; Verses drawn from the Pentecost Sequence; Taizé Community, 1978; Tune: Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994 © 1979, Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc., agent

All rights reserved. OneLicense.Net, License #918140

Examination of Candidate for Diaconate

Shelley: We invite Anne, Elaine and Rosemary to stand, along with Lucy  

               Garcia and Patti May who will be representing this assembly in 

               the examination of the candidates.

BMM:   My dear sisters, before you receive the Order of Deacon, you are 

               asked to proclaim before the assembly, that you willingly take on 

               this office and ministry.

MEC:    So I ask you: Are you ready to be ordained for ministry in the 

               Church by the laying-on-of hands and by the gift of the Holy 

               Spirit?

 Elaine and Rosemary: I am.

Lucy Garcia: Are you ready to fulfill the office of deacon faithfully and   

                        serve the People of God? 

 Elaine and Rosemary: I am.

BMM:   Are you ready to carry out the ministry of deacon in selfless 

               dedication and in support of our bishops and priests?

 Elaine and Rosemary: I am.

MEC:   Are you ready to celebrate the mysteries of Christ faithfully as has been handed down to us, for the glory of God and the flourishing of grace among God's people?

 Elaine and Rosemary: I am.

BMM:  Are you ready to live from the Spirit within, to be a person of prayer, and in this Spirit, to pray with and for the People of God for the whole world?

 Elaine and Rosemary: I am.

Patti May: Are you ready to support the poor and the sick and to help the 

                   homeless and those in need?

 Elaine and Rosemary: I am.

MEC:   Are you ready to shape your life after the model and example of Christ, whose body and blood are entrusted to you to share with the People of God?

 Elaine and Rosemary: With the help of God, I am ready.

BMM:  May God complete the good work already begun in you.

ALL:    Amen.

Litany of Saints and Prostration of Candidate

Shelley: We invite Patti May, Michael Kateltas, Peggy Alderman and Jill

               Correnti Striebinger to lay the prostration cloths.  

Shelley: We now invite the candidate for ordination to prostrate while the 

               Litany of Saints is sung.  The prostration is an act of loving 

               surrender to God.  We call upon those who have gone before us 

               in the communion of saints, our friends, the prophets of God, 

               and all holy women and men.

MEC:   In gratitude, we pray to our loving God who grants abundant grace and blessing to these women, called to be deacons. 

BMM:  Let us pray:  Gracious and Loving God, You hear our prayers and those of your angels and saints. You pour out upon these women the blessing of your wisdom and the grace and integrity of the order of deacon.

MEC:   As we approach the moment of ordination, hold them close to you with your unfailing love.  You are with us now and always.  

ALL:    Amen.

Shelley: We invite the ordinands to rise and come forward to the chairs 

               for the laying-on-of hands.  

Laying-On-of-Hands for Deacons

Shelley: We come to the most sacred moment of the ordination rite, the 

               laying-on-of hands for the deacon, which we celebrate in 

               reverent silence.  The gesture is the prayer and there are no 

               words spoken.  The Bishops lay hands on the ordinand and 

               pray the prayer of consecration over her.  

Shelley: You, The People of God, the Body of Christ, are invited to come  

               forward in silence to continue this sacred action of laying hands 

               on these chosen women. 

Prayer of Consecration for Deacon

Shelley: Our Bishops will now pray a prayer of consecration for our 

               newly ordained deacons.

MEC:    We praise you, most loving God, and call on your name. You are 

               with us and we all receive your grace.  You call people into holy 

               service and you choose them for orders in the Church.

BMM:   Loving God, you renew everything in your energy. You order 

               everything according to your eternal designs. Through your 

               word, your wisdom and the power of love, you provide what we 

               need in the changing seasons of life.

MEC:    You abundantly blessed your Church and have wonderfully 

               designed the Body of Christ in great diversity of membership. 

               You unite and sanctify us in your Spirit.  

BMM:   You give your Church life and growth. For the praise of your 

               Name, you have established the threefold ministry of Orders and 

               furnished the Church with holy gifts; as from the beginning, you 

               chose faithful servants for ministering to your holy people.

MEC:    As the Church began to grow, the apostles, led by the Spirit, set 

               apart seven proven people to be helpers in daily ministry. The 

               apostles themselves wanted to be free for prayer and for the 

               proclamation of the word.

BMM:   To these chosen ones you entrusted prayer and the table ministry 

               through the laying-on-of hands. We humbly present these 

               deacons before you.

BMM:   I now invite you, the assembly, to join us in extending your 

              hands over these women as we embrace the Spirit in them and in 

              all.

MEC:   God’s Spirit strengthens you to carry out your ministry faithfully. God’s Spirit calls you to heal and reconcile.  

BMM:  God’s Spirit guides you in your work for justice and peace for all. God’s Spirit enlivens you in prophetic and liberating obedience. Together, we are one in Christ, loving and serving as God’s holy

              people. 

ALL:    Amen.

Investiture With Stole for Deacons

Shelley:  We invite those who have been asked to do so, to come forward 

                and represent us all by vesting Anne, Elaine and Rosemary for 

                ministry in their stoles.

Presentation of the Gospel

BMM/MEC: “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are. 

                       Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice 

                       what you teach.”

BMM/MEC: It is with great joy that we present to you our newly 

                       ordained deacons.  

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

Offering of the Gifts

Offertory Song:  What Shall I Give to You by Sara Thomsen Video by Denise Hackert-Stoner

https://youtu.be/t9rYcvSSRQQ

BMM:  Blessed are You, God of all creation. Through Your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made.  It will become for us the bread of life.

ALL:    Blessed be God forever.

MEC:  Blessed are You, God of all creation. Through Your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink.

ALL:    Blessed be God forever.

Eucharistic Prayer

BMM:  Our God is with you.

ALL:    And also with you. 

BMM:  Lift up your hearts.

ALL:    We lift them up to our God.

BMM:  Let us give thanks to our loving God.

ALL:    It is right to give God thanks and praise.

BMM:   All-loving and ever-living God beyond all imagining, we give You thanks for the gift of awareness that allows us to recognize Your presence and action in our universe. Everything we have, everything we see, everything we do, everyone we love and everyone who loves us, reveals Your sustaining presence.  We thank You for Your presence which animates life and all that exists. 

MEC:   You express yourself in human life and through us you sing and dance, speak and write, love and create.  In this we never cease to hope, and for this we always thank and praise You.  We join with the saints of all times and places as they sing forever to Your glory: 

ALL:  Holy, Holy, Holy

             – Karen Drucker; reprinted with permission from Karen Drucker; adapted version

https://youtu.be/kl7vmiZ1YuI 

Elaine: Loving God, we live and move and have our being in You. We give thanks for those throughout history who have affirmed your loving presence and moved your people to give witness.  They have witnessed to your presence in lives characterized by love, mercy, compassion, generosity and forgiveness.

  

             We thank you for Jesus, who loved so greatly, taught so clearly, and proclaimed so courageously.  He set people free from images, ideas and religious practices that bound them in fear and a false sense of separation from you. Through Jesus, we know our loving actions become a share in your life.  In Jesus, we see your Spirit challenging us to make your presence more visible on earth.

 

Rosemary: We thank You for Your Spirit of life and love among us. We 

                    are grateful that Your Spirit sets us free to discover your 

                    presence within us and in all of creation.  And for this we 

                    thank and praise You.  

                    I invite you, the People of God, to extend  your hands and pray with us:

ALL:    Loving God, we honor the presence of Your Spirit in these our gifts, as they, and we, become the Body and Blood of Jesus the Christ for our wholeness and the wholeness of all creation.  

ALL:    We remember that on the night before he died, while at supper with his friends, Jesus took the Bread, spoke the blessing, broke the bread and offered it them saying: Take and eat, this is my body.  

ALL:    When supper was ended, Jesus took the cup of wine, spoke the blessing and offered it to them saying: Take and drink of the covenant made new again through my life in you. Do this in memory of me.  

Rosemary: Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:

 

ALL:    Nurtured by your Word, nourished by your food, called anew to be your people, we acclaim your praise.

MEC:   Loving God, through Jesus You entrusted this pledge of love to us.  We celebrate the memory of his life, death and resurrection, and bring to You the gifts You have given us: reconciliation, justice, and peace. You fill us with Your Spirit in the sharing of this meal. You keep us in communion with one another and with all living beings. Your Spirit makes us a sign of unity, a model of equality and instruments of Your peace.

 

              Inspire our leaders, both religious and political, so that they act

              without fear to bring your justice. May they become peacemakers 

              who transform your church and society so that all living beings 

              and our planet may thrive.

BMM:  You have gathered us around this table in friendship, with Mary, 

              the Mother of Jesus, the apostles, and all the saints. May all who 

              are suffering in any way be strengthened and consoled by your 

              Presence. You bless all who have gone before us and bring them 

              into the lasting joy and peace of your presence.

 

BMM:  You gather together women, men and children of every race, language, religion and way of life to share in your one, eternal banquet. In your presence, we give you glory with all creation and with Jesus through whom your goodness flows.

  

ALL:   Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, may all glory and honor be Yours, All-Loving God, forever and ever. 

ALL:    Great Amen 

Mass of Creation, Marty Haugen, © 1984, GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted under OneLicense.net S-918140

Prayer of Jesus

Rosemary: Let us pray together in the Name of Jesus:  

ALL:  O Holy One, You are 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, MMS adapted)   

Sign of Peace

Rosemary:  The peace of Christ be with you always.

ALL:           And also with you. 

Rosemary:  Please share a sign of peace.

Communion

MEC: Please join in praying the prayer for the breaking of the bread:

ALL:  Loving God, You call us to live the Gospel of peace and justice. 

            We will live justly.   

            Loving God, You call us to be Your presence in the world.  

   We will love tenderly.

 

            Loving God, You call us to speak truth to power.  

   We will walk with integrity. 

BMM: This is the Bread of Life and the Cup of Blessing. How blessed are we who are called to this Table.

ALL:   Jesus, you affirm our worthiness and by your word, we will heal 

             the world. 

Administering the Bread:  You are the Body of Christ

Administering the Wine:    Receive this Cup of Blessing

Communion Songs:  Seed, Scattered and Sown; A Deer’s Cry

https://youtu.be/jqnv4yCnkvQ

https://youtu.be/34DVkdZAIw4

Prayer After Communion

MEC:   Let us pray.  Loving God, You renew us with spiritual nourishment in this bread and wine. You watch over these newly ordained women and inspire them as faithful ministers of Word and Sacrament to give generously for your glory and for the good of all living beings.  We pray this prayer in the name of Jesus, our brother.

ALL:    Amen.

Blessing

Shelley:  Please stand and extend your hands as we pray our final 

                blessing.

BMM:    Loving God, in this moment, You draw us to you and make us 

                aware, not so much of what we've given but of all that we have 

                received and have to share.

ALL:      Amen.

MEC:     You bless us and move us forward in prophetic obedience to 

                Your Spirit. 

ALL:      Amen.

Elaine:    You send us forth in power and gladness and with great 

                 courage, to live what we pray and profess.

ALL:       Amen. 

RECESSIONAL

Recessional Song:  Sing A New Church 

https://youtu.be/ETV1DXQk_Gk

Awaken Me, O God, to the Infinite Depths of Your Love Within My Soul by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

photo by Kelly Sikkem

Awaken me each day to rejoice in the infinite depths of your love, Holy One, dwelling within my soul. 

Awaken me  each day to discover new ways to care for myself as you care for me.

Awaken me each day to new ways to care for others as you care for them. 

Awaken me each day to new ways to be your hands and feet, a reflection of your goodness and kindness  to everyone I meet. 

Amen

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community- Anointing of the Sick - Healing Service- for Karen and Mary Kay

https://youtu.be/96YprWjItpM

Music: Sending You Light by Melanie DeMore 

Bridget Mary:

Holy One, you hold us all in the embrace of your creative Love.  Today we tenderly pray for our dear friends Karen and Mary Kay, as they journey back to wholeness and health.  We offer them our loving prayers and anoint them for strength and healing on the journey.

Kathryn: 

Karen and Mary Kay, you are beloved members of this community.  You have gifted us with your gentle wisdom, your helpful hands and your sweet smiles.  You are part of the beauty of creation, and as such you are an incarnation of the Holy One, a spark of the Divine.  

Christina

Today, as you face health challenges, we as individuals and as your beloved community offer our own gifts and strengths to you.  We pray that the Spirit of the Holy One guide the medical team and all involved in providing the care that will foster your healing and well-being. We pray for protection from side-effects and treatments that you may experience.  We surround you with our loving thoughts as we bless you. 

Mary Al: 

A Reading from the Letter of James 5:7-9

Are you hurting? Pray.

Do you feel great? Sing.

Are you sick? 

Call the Church community together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of Jesus.

Believing -prayer will heal you and Jesus will put you on your feet.

Make this your common practice. Pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed.

These are the inspired words of James, follower of Jesus.

We respond to them by saying Amen.

Blessing:  

Lee:   Please raise your hands as we bless Karen and Mary Kay in prayer:

May the Wholeness from which creation sprang wrap you in wholeness, holiness, and healing.  May the Love that made the universe and placed you within it wrap you in a healing embrace.  May the Boundless energize you for the journey ahead.  May you know how deeply you are loved and treasured as beloved members of our MMOJ Community. 

Anointing:

Bridget Mary 

Holy One, it is in you that we live, move, and have our being.  You call us all to wholeness and health in your kin-dom. In your name, Jesus, we anoint Karen and Mary Kay today and ask that they be filled to overflowing with peace, healing and strength.  Amen.(Karen and Mary Kay are anointed with Holy Chrism by Kathryn) 

Kathryn: 

(We ask during Anointing the community joins hands and connect to Karen and Mary Kay in a circle.)

Karen and Mary Kay, we anoint you with the chrism of healing.  We call on our Beloved, the ever-present Holy One, to keep you safe and sound, and we pray that you face your journey free of anxiety. 

Bridget Mary:

We invite you, our community, to pray silently or aloud for our sisters Karen and Mary Kay’s healing. 

Blessing of the Prayer Shawls/blankets: Dotty Please raise your hands as we bless these prayer shawls.

Karen, and Mary Kay we bless these shawls. 

May these shawls remind you of our loving embrace of you each day.

May they assure you that you are never alone. 

May you feel the warmth of our love wrapped around you every time you wear them or wrap yourselves in them. 

 

 Joan P.

As we continue to bless Karen and Mary Kay, in their walk toward healing, and wholeness, may the words of Jennifer Williamson bless us all with wisdom and endurance. ”Healing is an honor, Though perhaps one wrapped in darkness,

Like a star is."

Closing Song:  Healed, Whole and Healthy, Karen Drucker 

Anointing Service written by Denise Hackert-Stoner and adapted by Bridget Mary Meehan. 

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community Liturgy, 15th Week of Extraordinary Time, July 9, 2022, Presiding: Andrea Seabaugh & Michael Rigdon, IT: Cheryl Brandi, Readers: Russ Banner & Beth Ponce, Prayer Leaders: Teresa MacEachern & Denis Rigdon

Zoom link for video - 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81534075389?pwd=TTdGY2NxS3AzTW13ODJESkdYME9aUT09

 

Meeting ID: 815 3407 5389

Passcode: 803326

(Note -- if you have a problem with the above link, open your ZOOM app and insert the Meeting ID number and Passcode)

One tap mobile: 1-312-626-6799

You will be able to hear the Liturgy and we will be able to hear you during our shared homily.

Welcome. Andrea. 

We warmly welcome you to the inclusive Catholic community of Mary Mother of Jesus in Sarasota, Florida. 

All are welcome here! 

We celebrate together ✝️ in the name of God our creator, 

Jesus the Christ, and the Spirit our wisdom within. Amen. 

Please welcome each other with a sign of Christ’s peace ☮️

🙏🏿 Namaste! The peace of Christ be with us!

Gathering 🎶     Standing on Their Shoulders 

       

https://youtu.be/elh77GtHWPU

Theme Michael. For our theme, go to the bold type in first reading.

Opening Prayer Beth. We commit to care for those who are abandoned or neglected, and to change unjust social, cultural and legal systems that subjugate them.  All: Transform us, O Holy One.

Glory to God 🎶 Marty Haugen. Video by Bridget Mary Meehan & Mary Theresa Streck 

https://youtu.be/udjH7EON5IY 

Liturgy of the Word (Please pause for a moment of silence.)

Russ. First Reading. A Reading from the speeches of Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela.  

With true structural change there would be far less need for charity; without it, the very best charitable efforts will never be enough. (MLK)  A true revolution of values will soon cause us to question the fairness and justice of many of our past and present policies. 

On the one hand we are called to play the Good Samaritan on life’s roadside, but that will be only an initial act.

One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho Road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life’s highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring. (NM)

These are the inspired words of heroic Christian activists Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, and the community affirms them by saying, Amen.

Acclamation 🎶 Alle, Alle, Alleluia.

 

https://youtu.be/ID5UGWcS6Ws

Michael. The second reading is from the letter to the Colossians attributed to Paul.

We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.

     He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.

Acclamation 🎶 Alle, Alle, Alleluia.

 

https://youtu.be/ID5UGWcS6Ws

Denis. A reading from the Good News Attributed to Luke.

Just then a religion scholar stood up with a question to test Jesus. "Teacher, what do I need to do to get eternal life?"

     Jesus answered, "What's written in God's Law? How do you interpret it?"

     He said, "That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself."

     "Good answer!" said Jesus. "Do it and you'll live.”

Looking for a loophole, the scholar asked, "And just how would you define 'neighbor'?"

     Jesus answered by telling a story. "There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.

     A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man's condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I'll pay you on my way back.'

     "What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?"

     "The one who treated him kindly," the religion scholar responded.

      Jesus said, "Go and do the same.”

Acclamation 🎶 Alle, Alle, Alleluia.

https://youtu.be/ID5UGWcS6Ws

Shared Homily Michael & Community

Go and do the same!

Homily starter for Saturday 7-9-22

Michael Rigdon

“Go and do the same,” Jesus said.

Go & tend to the violent crime victim’s wounds.

Go & assist the rejected person who is homeless, unemployed & hungry.

Go & aid the young minority woman to access an abortion or birth control.

Go & drive the lonely elderly man to his doctor’s appointment or to vote.

But MLK in our first reading says that the best charitable efforts will NEVER be enough without true structural change. Charity will NEVER be enough without true structural change.

So “Go and do the same” means 

I am also called to reduce access to weapons of war in my community and my country.

I’m also called to support current efforts to increase affordable housing in Sarasota County.

I’m called to join efforts to increase legal access to abortion.

I’m called to ensure legal access by transgender adolescents to appropriate healthcare.

That’s a big job. And it seems even more enormous when the cultural and legal tide seems to be going against justice. I can get pretty discouraged. I’m sure you do too.

So at this point I wondered what should come next. I read Colossians again: 

“All the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.” (And because of his rising!)

I noticed how much this sounded like Richard Rohr in Universal Christ. I was reminded why Rohr loved St Paul—Reading both puts me in a both/and contemplative thinking mode. But I wondered how I could translate that into ordinary language. I didn’t have to look any farther than the first page of this week’s ON Line & On Point. You were probably impressed as I was with the long quote from Joan Chittister and Thomas Merton on the paradox between the urge to unity vs our need for independence. And on the next page, Russ includes a quote from MLK: “It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. We are made to live together because of the interrelated structure of reality.”

We call that interrelated structure of reality—Christ! 

It is that Christ reality that drives us to change structures to promote justice for all. Thank you, Russ, for this week’s OLOP!

Profession of Faith Teresa.

We believe in the creator of all whose divinity infuses life with the sacred. 

We believe in Jesus the Christ who leads us to the fullness of humanity. 

We believe in the Spirit of wisdom, the divine breath in the cosmos,

who enlightens those living in darkness. 

Amen to courage, to hope, to the spirit of truth, to wholeness,

to the partnership of all women and men in the divine plan. 

We believe in justice and peace for all. We surely believe in all this!

Community Prayers

Andrea. As we prepare for this sacred meal, we are aware that the needs of our country and our world are many. As a community and as individuals we do our part to be the healing power of Christ for the world as we bring our prayers to the Eucharistic Table. Please voice your intentions beginning with the words, “I bring to the table…..” 

We pray for these and all unspoken intentions in our hearts. Amen

We offer our gifts Teresa. We invite everyone to place their plate of bread and cup of wine on their table of plenty. (Pause) 

Ever present Sacred Spirit, you who hold us in your loving hands, we offer these gifts of bread and wine as we celebrate your life with us. These gifts are made sacred through our faith. We ask this in the name of Jesus our brother.  Amen

Eucharistic Prayer

Michael. We begin our Eucharistic prayer in song.

🎶 Here in this Place 

 

 https://youtu.be/sgkWXOSGmOQ

 

Beth & All. We commit ourselves to live the ministry of the Gospel 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 in our words and actions to our commitment to nonviolence. 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.

(Hold your hand over bread and wine) 

Beth & All. Jesus, we remember 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.

Teresa & All. 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 🥖 and pray:

Teresa & All. 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, then lift the 🍷 and pray:

Beth & All. Jesus took the cup, spoke the grace, and offered it to them saying: Take and drink. This is the new covenant. Whenever you remember me like this, I am among you.  (pause)

Denis. 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.

Denis & All. Let us share this bread and cup to proclaim and live the gospel of justice, nonviolence and peace, remembering that we are bearers of light and hope. We are the Christ alive today.

We now share the bread and wine, saying, “I am/You are a disciple of justice.

🎶 Communion Song: What Shall I Give by Sara Thomsen

https://youtu.be/UUTs9qa5h3g

Prayer after Communion Andrea. 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 your Sacred Presence—Mary of Nazareth and all great saints, prophets and martyrs. We also remember family members, friends, and MMOJ members. We remember all those whose lives have been lost to covid, to war, to racism and other forms of exclusion and violence that exist in our world. And we remember those you wish to be remembered (we pause to remember our 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!

Russ. Let us pray together as Jesus taught us:

All. 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  

 🎶 Irish blessing

https://youtu.be/hw-Z2Vfskvo

Michael. Please share the gratitude you hold in your hearts.

Announcements

Closing 🎶 We are the World, Together at Home Edition 2020

https://youtu.be/EIUAdeAEgvU 

Thanks to Dotty Shugrue for the theme, the music and the first reading today.

__________________________________________________

If you want to add an intercession to our MMOJ Community Prayer book, please send an email to jmeehan515@aol.com

If you want to invite someone to attend our liturgy, please refer them to the day’s liturgy 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, FL 34238 

“Priestless Funerals part of Radical New Proposal to Combat Declining Clergy Numbers, Irish Independent

https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/priestless-funerals-part-of-radical-new-proposals-to-combat-declining-clergy-numbers-41810602.html

How to respond to Roe v. Wade Decision- 3 Ways to Support Women, Letter to Editor, Sarasota Herald Tribune, July 3, 2022

https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/opinion/2022/07/03/readers-react-supreme-courts-reversal-roe-v-wade/7773001001/

How to respond to Roe v. Wade decision

There are three ways to support women after the Supreme Court ended Roe:

1.  1. Affirm women’s primacy of conscience, autonomy and accountability for moral decisions about their reproductive health, well-being and the viability of life in the womb. 
2. 2. Vote for political candidates who oppose criminalizing abortion and who support access to free birth control as an effective means of preventing abortions.
3. 3. Advocate for policies and programs that offer child care, housing, education and jobs for low-income families.

Bridget Mary Meehan

Sarasota, Florida