Introduction Letter

February 2008

Dear Women’s Ordination Supporter,

Thank you for your interest in organizing an event for our "Giving the Gift of Women" campaign! Pope Benedict XVI will visit the USA from April 15-19. On the night of April 14, the day before he arrives in Washington, DC, we'll give the gift of women, just in time for his 81st birthday.

The World Day of Prayer for Women's Ordination is a concerted global action held annually on March 25, the feast of the Annunciation, to draw attention to women's ordination and an inclusive priestly ministry in the Catholic Church. Every year, WOC members in the USA and women's ordination activists around the world host events to honor this special day.

Because the Pope’s arrival and the annual World Day of Prayer for Women’s Ordination, are so close together, we’ll celebrate this years’ Day of Prayer on April 14, in conjunction with the Pope’s visit, and call it "Giving the Gift of Women."

The inclusive prayer service included in this toolkit will allow you to reflect on and pray for our church to fully and wholeheartedly embrace diversity and inclusion.

Each year, there are more and more events to celebrate this important day, which raises awareness that Jesus modeled complete equality in his ministry. We are calling for this equality to be reflected in our church, and we're excited to provide you with resources to assist you in organizing an event in your community.

The 2008 Activist Toolkit contains:

• 2008 Prayer Service “Imagining and Creating the Inclusive Church"
• Press Release
• Organizing and Media Tips

I am here to offer you support and technical assistance as you plan your event. Let me know the details, so I can help publicize it. Contact me at 703 352-1006 or woc@womensordination.org. I look forward to hearing about your event!

Blessings,

Erin Saiz Hanna

Program Assistant