When the Archdiocese of Chicago committed to a $1 million multi-media campaign to attract priests, many people were troubled that the archdiocese would go to such great lengths to recruit celibate men to the priesthood when many others want to serve. Thinking of the pain of the women who feel called to serve as priests but cannot, Mary Beth Lang proposed that the Women's Ordination Conference put up its own billboard. Working together, Mary Beth, Drina Nikola, Chicago area WOC board members Katy Scott and Deirdre O'Neal, WOC Young Feminist Network leader Laura Singer, and anonymous WOC members raised $12,000 through email solicitations in a matter of months--enough for a billboard and 30 signs at subway and 'el' stations throughout the city!

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Help us make women's ordination a reality.  For more information on any of these suggestions, contact the Women's Ordination Conference, P.O. Box 2693, Fairfax, VA  22031-0693, 703-352-1006 or woc@womensordination.org.

SUPPORT WOMEN'S ORDINATION

Join the Women's Ordination Conference
www.womensordination.org/pages/membership.html

Join other young women in the Young Feminist Network of the Women's Ordination Conference
www.womensordination.org/pages/projects_femnet.html

Educate yourself on the issues
These websites give the theological arguments explaining why women's ordination makes sense.
www.womensordination.org/pages/why.html
www.womenpriests.org

Request Women Ministers
The Women's Ordination Conference has compiled a directory of women in ecclesial ministries, from hospital chaplain to campus minister, positions formerly reserved for ordained priests. Support women ministers by requesting them!
www.womensordination.org/pages/projects_mdir.html

PROMOTE THE SIGN CAMPAIGN

Contribute to the continuation of the Sign Campaign
Help us keep our signs up for more than just one month. Help us show a sustained commitment to women's ordination. Send your tax-deductible donation payable to Women's Ordination Conference and marked for "Sign Campaign" to: WOC National Office, P.O. Box 2693, Fairfax, VA  22031-0693.

If you are considering the priesthood, respond affirmatively to the archdiocesan billboard
The archdiocesan billboards say, "If you are waiting for a sign from God, this is it. Consider the Priesthood." They do not say: "For celibate men only."  So, if you feel called to the priesthood, whatever your gender and marital status, why not express your interest?
www.archdiocese-chgo.org/p-guide/p-agencies/welcome.html

MAKE YOUR VIEWS KNOWN

Attend church events wearing a purple stole
Women around the world wear purple stoles as silent witness in support of women's ordination.
www.womensordination.org/pages/intern_actionps.html

Take a bishop to breakfast, take a cardinal to lunch
In the spirit of Cardinal Bernardin's Common Ground Initiative, continue to dialogue with our church leaders. The cardinals will elect the next pope.

Be a witness for women's equality in your diocese
Educate through articles and letters to the editor and analyze women's role in decision-making.
www.cta-usa.org/wicl/16howtowit.html

PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

Celebrate the Feast of Mary Magdalene on July 22
All four gospels describe Mary Magdalene as the first person to witness the risen Christ.  None describes her as a prostitute or sinner.  Help reclaim her reputation by celebrating her feast day, which falls on a Saturday in 2000.
www.futurechurch.org/marymagdalen/index.shtml

Participate in the Annual World Day of Prayer for Women's Ordination on March 25: The Feast of the Annunciation
www.womensordination.org/pages/intern_wdofp.html

Organize public witness events
Witness to women's ordination at public events such as ordinations and visits by and meetings of church authorities. For a guide booklet on planning public witness events, contact woc@womensordination.org.

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