PCS Forum on Women Called to Catholic Priesthood: Sharing Our Stories of Ministry
Join us on April 16 for Session 2 with authors Sharon Henderson Callahan and Jeanette Rodriguez on Women Called to Catholic Priesthood and for stories about the ministries of Roman Catholic Women Priests.
Each RCWP/ARCWP member will have 2-3 minutes to share on focus question:
How is your inclusive ministry creating a more loving, just Church for everyone? ( 2- 3minutes- max time)
Authors of recently published book: Women Called to Catholic Priesthood- From Ecclesial Challenge to Spiritual Renewal ,Sharon Henderson Callahan and Jeanette Rodriguez, will join our PCS Forum and provide an overview of each topic from their book. Then, participants will be invited to share their call and lived experiences of embodying a new form of priestly ministry in inclusive ecclesial communities of equals that are widening the church’s tent. These sessions will be recorded and available on YouTube for the public. Translation services in Spanish will be provided. All are welcome!
April 9 - Session 1: Stories of Call
April 16 - Session 2: Sharing Ministries
April 23 - Session 3: Spiritual Practices to Nurture the Journey
April 30 -Session 4: Priestly Leadership
Sharon Henderson Callahan, EdD, is professor emerita and past academic dean of the School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University. A scholar of ministry and leadership , Callahan has focused her research on both Roman Catholic and mainline Protestant ecclesial formation.
Jeanette Rodriguez, PhD, is a professor of theology and religious studies at Seattle University. Currently she also serves as Executive Director of the Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture at the university. She is a 'border theologian" studying Christian faith experience among different cultural groups; her books include studies of Haudenosaunee and Mexican American cultural identity.
Both Callahan and Rodriguez have performed qualitative, ethnographic research in locations around the world.
Authors Presentation- Overview of Research/Interviews on "Ministry"
When you heard the call, how did you respond to it and overcome any barriers?
Your response to our Focus Question will be recorded and uploaded to YouTube and made available to the public. If you do not want to be on the recording, turn off your video and remove your name.
Welcome
Opening Prayer: Same Baptism, Same Spirit, Same Calling for us All
By Jessica Gerhardt
Introduction of Authors
Authors Presentation
Sharon Henderson Callahan, EdD, and Jeanette Rodriguez, PhD,present an overview of their research/interviews on "The Call" from their book, Women Called to Catholic Priesthood (2024)
Focus Question:
When you heard the call, how did you respond to it and overcome any barriers?
Group Sharing:
(We invite you to use raise the hand function on Zoom. Please limit your sharing to 2-3 minutes per person)
Authors of recently published book: Women Called to Catholic Priesthood- From Ecclesial Challenge to Spiritual Renewal ,Sharon Henderson Callahan and Jeanette Rodriguez, will join our PCS Forum and provide an overview of each topic from their book. Then, participants will be invited to share their call and lived experiences of embodying a new form of priestly ministry in inclusive ecclesial communities of equals that are widening the church’s tent.
FREE PCS Forum - Women Called to Catholic Priesthood: Sharing Our Stories of Call, Ministry and Leadership
Authors of recently published book: Women Called to Catholic Priesthood- From Ecclesial Challenge to Spiritual Renewal ,Sharon Henderson Callahan and Jeanette Rodriguez, will join our PCS Forum and provide an overview of each topic from their book. Then, participants will be invited to share their call and lived experiences of embodying a new form of priestly ministry in inclusive ecclesial communities of equals that are widening the church’s tent. These sessions will be recorded and available on YouTube for the public. Translation services in Spanish will be provided. All are welcome!
April 9 - Session 1: Stories of Call
April 16 - Session 2: Sharing Ministries
April 23 - Session 3: Spiritual Practices to Nurture the Journey
(Our sessions will be recorded and uploaded to YouTube and made available to the public. If you do not want to be on the recording, turn off your video and remove your name.)
Welcome and Opening Prayer: Bridget Mary
A warm welcome to our People's Catholic Seminary Forum inspired by Sharon Henderson Callahan and Jeanette Rodriguez's new book, Women Called to Catholic Priesthood that explores the calls, journeys, spirituality, theology of women called to priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church from ecclesial challenge to spiritual renewal.
Introduction of Authors: Mary Theresa
Sharon Henderson Callahan, EdD, is professor emerita and past academic dean of the School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University. A scholar of ministry and leadership , Callahan has focused her research on both Roman Catholic and mainline Protestant ecclesial formation.
Jeanette Rodriguez, PhD, is a professor of theology and religious studies at Seattle University. Currently she also serves as Executive Director of the Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture at the university. She is a 'border theologian" studying Christian faith experience among different cultural groups; her books include studies of Haudenosaunee and Mexican American cultural identity.
Both Callahan and Rodriguez have performed qualitative, ethnographic research in locations around the world.
Authors Presentation- Overview of Research/Interviews on "The Call"
Focus Question:
When you heard the call, how did you respond to it and overcome any barriers?
Group Sharing:
(We invite you to use raise the hand function on Zoom. Please limit your sharing to 2-3 minutes per person)
Highlights from Synthesis Report in Part 1 of Synthesis Report: Bridget Mary Meehan
Section 1: The Face of the Synodal Church - Highlights- Bridget Mary
1. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ and co-responsible for mission of Church with “a ,genuine equality of dignity and common responsibility for mission according to the vocation of each.“
2. The Church itself is a “conversation” within itself and with the world, walking side by side with every human being in the style of Jesus.”
3. Christian communities are to join “other religions, convictions and cultures in mutual learning, service to those experiencing poverty, care for our common home and theological research. “
4. Synodality involves “reciprocal listening, dialogue, community discernment and creation of consensus” that renders Christ present in decisions” according to “responsibilities.”
5. Synodality offers “alternative way of being and acting for our times integrating a diversity of perspectives.”
6. Synodality integrates the contributions of theology, the humanities, social sciences as well as other models of ecclesial discernment of different spiritual traditions, ancient and recent.
QUESTIONS for Reflection on The Face of the Synodal Church- Joan
In your experience of circular leadership in your local church community, what have
been the benefits of this process? What have been the learning experiences?
What challenges do you see to the ongoing development of the synodal
process in the Church?
How do you move forward as a synodal church both in your local church community
and in the worldwide Church?
Section 2: Eucharist: Highlights- Bridget Mary
7. “From the Eucharist we learn to articulate unity and diversity, “unity of sacramental mystery and a variety of liturgical traditions, unity of celebration and diversity of vocations, charisms and ministries. “
8. This means making “liturgical language more accessible” and “embodied in the diversity of cultures.”
9. The preferential option for the poor and those at the margins is rooted in the example of Jesus who “befriended people in poverty, shared a table with them and denounced the causes of poverty.”
16. The issue of Eucharistic hospitality is of “particular importance to inter-church couples and raises the need for a broader reflection on inter-church marriages.”
Questions: for Reflection on EUCHARIST- Joan
How do we promote unity and diversity in Eucharistic hospitality?
What challenges do you see for the Church in implementing understandable and inclusive language in the Liturgy and Rites?
How do you practice Eucharistic hospitality in your ministry?
Section 3: Social Justice and Ministry- Highlights: Bridget Mary
10. The Church’s commitment must address the causes of poverty and exclusion. This includes actions to protect the rights of those who are excluded, and may involve denunciation of injustices. This means “listening to their demands and points of view, and utilizing their own words. “
11. The Church’s social justice teachings are not well-known. It is a requirement of faith, “not an optional extra. This is especially true for candidates for ordained ministry and consecrated life.”
12. The diaconal ministry should “promote a stronger orientation towards service to those who are poor.”
13. Living the Church’s mission in multicultural and multi-religious contexts requires “taking of one’s shoes to “cross the threshold towards encounter” and “respect for a sacred space, on an equal footing.”
14. The Church encourages interreligious dialogue and is aware that “the Spirit can speak through women and men of every religion, belief and culture.”
15. To address different understandings of evangelization, new paradigms are needed for pastoral engagement with indigenous peoples, that include their participation in decision -making processes at all levels.
17. It is proposed that Christians of other Churches and ecclesial traditions participate in Catholic synodal processes at all levels, including an ‘ecumenical Synod on common mission in the contemporary world. “
18. Each local Church is encouraged “to equip itself with suitable people trained to facilitate and accompany processes of ecclesial discernment.”
Questions for Reflection: Social Justice and Ministry- Joan
How can you expand awareness of the Church’s social doctrine in your local
church community?
How will you go about promoting ministry to the poor and those at the margins of
society in your local church community? How can this be done in the greater Church?
What challenges do you see in moving forward in joining with other churches and traditions in synodal processes at all levels?
NEXT Steps: Time for Prayerful Dialogue and Discernment : Bridget Mary
Please share these highlights on the Synthesis document with your communities and companions on the journey in a Synodal Church that we all belong to and participate in.
Proposals for Decisions on Next Steps for Report to Vatican in preparation for Synod in 2024
You are invited to share your ideas for next steps forward for incorporation in the Summary Report that we will post on Vatican site in preparation for the October 2024 Synodal meeting in Rome. The Summary Report will be prepared by Bridget Mary and Joan Pesce and shared with you.
Join us on Feb. 6th for reflection and discussion at our next PCS Forum on Part 2 of The Synodal Synthesis Report -
People’s Catholic Seminary Forum Presents: Growing Together in Dialogue, Discernment and Decisions as the Synodal Church:
Next Steps for Synod in 2024
Part 2: All Disciples, All Missionaries- Women in the Church-Feb.6, 2024, 1pm-2pm
Facilitators: Bridget Mary Meehan and Joan Pesce
Welcome and Opening Prayer: Joan Pesce
Highlights from Synthesis Report in Part 1: Bridget Mary Meehan
1. The Synod affirms that the Church is mission.” Each Christian is a mission on this earth.
2. The exercise of co-responsibility is essential for synodality and is necessary at all levels of the Church.
3. Jesus welcomed women as disciples, and entrusted the “announcement of the Resurrection on Easter to Mary Magdalene.”
4. Women are called to co-responsibility at every level of the Church’s life.
5. “Clericalism, a chauvinist mentality and inappropriate expressions of authority continue to scar the face of the Church.”
6. Avoid talking about women as an issue or a problem. View women as protagonists without subordination, exclusion and competition.
7. “How can the Church include more women in existing roles and ministries?
8. “If new ministries are required, who should discern these, at what levels and in what ways?
9. Different positions have been expressed regarding women’s access to the diaconal ministry.
10. For some, “access for women in the diaconate would restore the practices of the Early Church.”
11. For others, it would be “a sign of the times, faithful to Tradition” and bring “new energy” to the Church.”
12. Theological and pastoral research on the access of women to the diaconate should be continued. If possible, results should be presented to next Assembly.
13. Local churches are encouraged to listen, accompany and care for “the most marginalized women in their social contexts.”
14. Questions of labor injustice for women in consecrated life, treated as “cheap labour” should be addressed.
15. Women should “be integrated into seminary teaching and training programs to foster better formation for ordained ministry.”
16. Liturgical texts and Church documents need to “include a range of words, images and narratives” derived from “women’s experience.”
17. “Lay associations, ecclesial movements and new communities are a precious sign of the maturation of the co-responsibility of all the baptized.”
18. The promotion of synodality requires councils and advisory bodies with representatives of lay associations, ecclesial movements and new communities.
19. The discussion of priestly celibacy “requires further consideration.”
20. Deeper study of the theology of the permanent diaconate will shed light on the question of the access of women to the diaconate.
Questions for Reflection: Joan Pesce
l 1. The Church, the People of God, are a mission and each person is a mission. How does this awareness enlarge your view of your co-responsibility for being the Presence of Christ in the world?
How does this perspective change the view of ”the hierarchy as Church?”
2. How have you implemented co-equal roles and co-partnerships in your emerging church communities?
3. As a major part of your experience of creating inclusive church communities, please share the roles and ministries you have developed and implemented for women in your church community. Your thoughts, comments and experiences are needed to include in our final report and recommendations to the Vatican in May 2024.
4. In the Highlights presented, which point(s) speak(s) to you most powerfully? Please share your thoughts.r
5 What inspires and energizes you the most in moving forward in the Synodal process of change in the Church of the future?
Time for Prayerful Dialogue and Discernment :
Proposals for Decisions on Next Steps for Report to Vatican in preparation for Synod in 2024
People’s Catholic Seminary Forum Presents: Growing Together in Dialogue, Discernment and Decisions as the Synodal Church: Next Steps for Synod in 2024 Part 3: Weaving Bonds, Building Communities, March 12, 2024, 1pm-2pm
People’s Catholic Seminary Forum Presents: Growing Together in Dialogue, Discernment and Decisions as the Synodal Church: Next Steps for Synod in 2024 Part 3: Weaving Bonds, Building Communities, March 12, 2024, 1pm-2pm
People’s Catholic Seminary Forum Presents: Growing Together in Dialogue, Discernment and Decisions as the Synodal Church:
Next Steps for Synod in 2024
Part 3: Weaving Bonds, Building Communities, March 12, 2024, 1pm-2pm
Facilitators: Bridget Mary Meehan and Joan Pesce
Welcome and Opening Prayer: Joan Pesce
Highlights from Synthesis Report in Part 3: Weaving Bonds, Building Communities
Bridget Mary Meehan
FormationforaSynodalChurch Includes:
-theology, and “theexerciseof co-responsibility, listening, and discernment; ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, service to the poorest and care for our common home.”
- “discernmentprocesses,conversationintheSpirit,consensus- building and conflict resolution.”
Matters for Consideration include
-Sexual education that integrates a “more mature synthesis” between psychology and theology.
-the People of God in formation programs for ordained ministry.
Proposals include:
-Women in formation programs of ordained ministers.
-Adequate standards and processes for selecting candidates for ordained ministry
-Formation for ordained ministries rooted in life of Christian community.
-Exercise of authority appropriate in a synodal Church
Ecclesial Discernment and Open Questions:
-Dialogue incorporating science, theology, experience on issues related to sexuality and “bodiliness.”
-Issues on identity and sexuality, end of life, marital situations raise new questions and require further study.
-Theological reflection that starts with daily experience of God’s Holy People and places itself at its service.
Proposals include:
-Initiatives on controversial doctrinal, pastoral and ethical issues should “involve people directly affected by the matters under consideration.”
Towards a Listening and Accompanying Church:
-The Church needs to listen victims andsurvivorsofsexual abuseby clergy.
-People excluded because of marriage status, identity or sexuality should be heard.
-Listening to the excluded enables the Church tounderstand the point of view of the marginalizedandtoplaceitselfconcretelyat
theirside.
-Small Christian communities foster listening practices of, and amongst, the baptised. We are called to expand and adapt to urban contexts.
MissionintheDigitalEnvironment: Matters for Consideration:
-Catholiceducationalinstitutionsused online platforms during lockdowns and continue to do so.
-How can the Church” unleash new energies for new forms of mission?”
-Church should accompany “digital missionaries”, and facilitatenetworking amongstthem.
-Create collaborativenetworksofinfluencers from other religions/beliefs to promote human dignity, justice, and care for our common home.
Structures of Participation-Matters for Consideration:
-All the baptized should be involved in processes and decision-making in the Church.
-“We are encouraged by many small communities in the emerging Church, who live the closeness of the day-to-day around the Word of God and the Eucharist.”
Proposals:
-Recommend legislating for the obligatory nature of Pastoral Councils in Christian communities and local churches.
-Given the variety of charismatic andministerialgiftsofthePeopleofGod,howdoweintegratethetasksofadvising, discerning,anddecidinginthevariousparticipatorybodies?
Questions for Reflection: Joan Pesce
Time for Prayerful Dialogue and Discernment :
Proposals for Decisions on Next Steps for Report to Vatican in preparation for Synod in 2024
