Women’s Spirit in our Church

Gathering 1: Women’s Leadership in our Church

Opening Prayer

Ground Me in Your Grace

Eternal One,

Silence, from whom my words come;

Questioner, from whom my questions arise;

Lover, of whom all my loves are hints;

Disturber, in whom alone I find my rest;

Mystery, In whose depths I find healing and myself;

Enfold me now in your presence;

Restore to me your peace;

Renew me through your power and ground me in your grace.

Ted Loder, Guerrillas of Grace

Scripture Reading

The Inclusive Bible, translated by Priests for Equality and a Project of the Quixote Center, is the source of the following quote.

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary of Magdala came with Mary to inspect the tomb…Suddenly Jesus stood before them and said, “Shalom!” The women came up, embracing Jesus’ feet and worshiped. At this point, Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell the disciples to go to Galilee, where they will see me.” ~Matthew 28:1-10

Discussion Questions

What word or words resonate with you from the scripture reading? What do they mean to you?

What does this story tell us about the women who followed Jesus? What message does this text send to its readers today?

What structures within the priesthood and the church keep women from telling the good news as Jesus has instructed them to do? What structures or principles would need to change in order to allow for a renewed church where all are equal, liberated from oppression and spiritually nourished?

Have you ever felt called to share a message or some gift/talent within the church, as Jesus calls these women to do, and you have been denied or felt rejected? Share your story.

Mary Magdala was a leader and assisted Jesus in his ministry. Who are the current examples of women’s leadership in our church today? How do they impact our faith? What can you do to make sure women have a leadership role in your faith community?

Ritual

Sit in a circle. One by one, anoint one another with oil or water on the hands, feet or forehead to continue the work of sharing Christ’s message of healing and justice in the church and the world. Just as Christ commissioned the women to share his good news, say the name of the person you are anointing and say: (name), do not be afraid. Go forth and share the good news.

O Beloved God, when fear and discouragement
seem to overwhelm, teach me to look to you:

Turn my doubt and uncertainty,

…to faith filled confidence.

Turn my fear and cynicism,

… to trust and hope.

Turn my anger and resentment,

…to forgiving kindness

Turn my need to control,

…to letting go in God.

Turn my belief that I’m all alone

…to awareness of your near companioning.

Turn my fear that this is a hopeless cause,

…to confidence in your power to save.

Turn me from compulsive activity,

…to patient contemplation.

Turn me from my need to fill every minute,

…to a standing still in that empty space which

confidently prepares your miracles of grace.

Most High and Glorious God,

Gift me with new eyes to see

Your impossibly fresh creation,

arising each moment from chaos’ faithful, fearsome ferment.

Most dear (and near) Savior, Sister, Father, Mother, Brother, Friend,

Thank you for all the ways you love to love so much.

Teach me a new serenity “midst hustle bustle “

of Church reform days…

But first of all, let me bring you praise. Amen.

Christine Schenk, CSJ 1/2/99