Press releases: From: The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests Catholic Women Priests Offer Hope During the Sexual Abuse Crisis February 6, 2019 As Pope Francis engages this February 21-24, 2019 in dealing with the sexual abuse crisis in the Church, we women priests continue to offer a renewed priestly ministry within a new structure of inclusive communities and a new way of being Church. All are welcome to attend our worshiping communities and to receive Communion. Our new model of ministry can serve as a solution in dealing with the prevention of future sexual abuses. Women priests offer Roman Catholic worshiping communities that are led by the People of God. We have over 15 years of experience offering a new kind of priesthood that is Roman Catholic, egalitarian, inclusive, evolving, and social justice driven. Our women-priest experiences offer meaningful inclusive liturgies (Masses) in small grassroots communities. In addition, we preside at baptisms, weddings, and funeral ceremonies. We are engaged in raising social consciousness. We work with all those disenfranchised from the Roman Catholic Church, offering them faith communities, advocacy and spiritual direction. To put it very simply, the sexual abuses that have taken place in the Roman Catholic Church and are still taking place would never have occurred to the degree they have if women had been involved in priestly ministry and equal leadership in the Church. It is long overdue that the male leadership of the Church acknowledge our wisdom as women priests who are already serving the People of God, and ask for our help to solve the mess into which they have gotten themselves. Mary Eileen has provided the following response regarding the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s recent guideline on women seeking hysterectomies: Once again, we confront the arrogance and self-righteousness of the patriarchal church’s position in this purported “ethical guideline” on boundary settings for hysterectomies! It is entirely unbelievable to the feminine half of the human species that such a guideline could possibly be written without their consultation or consent. Yet sadly, this continues to be the modus operandi within the Roman Catholic hierarchical mindset. Until churchmen experience an epiphany that opens their minds and hearts to inclusive and egalitarian regard for women, seeking their voice and experience of their feminine nature, being, and wisdom, I see nothing but a dead end on this worn out path these men continue to travel. Mary Eileen Collingwood Bishop, serving the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests While attending the Parliament for the World's Religions held in Toronto last month, I was fortunate to have Fred Stella, host of the radio program "Common Threads", approach me for an interview.
Common Threads is a co-production of WGVU Radio and The Interfaith Dialogue Association. Common Threads airs Sundays at 7:00am and 6:30pm on WGVU 88.5 Grand Rapids, 95.3 Muskegon. You can listen to the full interview as broadcast at these links: Part 1, Part 2
Women priests in Brecksville offer alternative to traditional Roman Catholic Church by Jacqueline Mitchell - published September 21, 2018 Located in a single room inside the Brecksville United Church of Christ, a group of women is challenging the way the Roman Catholic Church looks at priesthood. “We’re more like prophetic witnesses in this time,” said the Rev. Mary Eileen Collingwood. “Even if the Vatican does not recognize us, we know that we’re preparing the way forward to open up an avenue for future generations. This is the alternative people have been waiting for.” continue reading August 22, 2018 Press Release: Response to the Recent Reports of Clergy Child Sex Abuse and Cover up in the RCC: From: Mary Eileen Collingwood, ARCWP Bishop serving the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests Women priests are needed as part of a systemic change in the Roman Catholic Church—building a structure that supports justice and equality. Our voices need to be heard. We work within a model of circular governance as ordained members within our movement and within the liturgical communities we serve. Catholics have deserved so much more for a long, long time! Following the prophetic witness of women priests, the church needs to form inclusive faith communities that thrive as all members are honored equally, treat others with compassion, and seek Gospel justice for all. This crisis that has taken over the world stage is a clarion call for all Catholics to raise their hearts and voices in demanding new structures that place women and men in decision-making roles in our church. Those clerics that are responsible for covering up the sexual abuses of our children by the clergy, and those that engage in corroborative criminal behavior, must be removed now. It is time for serious reform of these church structures that have protected bishops and the Vatican from accountability. Accepting women priests and married men will counter the corrupt clerical model that has produced the present ecclesial environment which continues to tolerate cover-ups and pay-offs as the standard fare of conduct. Pope Francis can name the cause of sexual abuse of children as coming from the evils of clericalism, but he falls short in dismantling that structure through a new model of priestly ministry that includes women. A structure that includes women and men standing and working together as equals, seeking justice for all in a renewed model of priestly ministry will ultimately be the Church’s salvation. On Wednesday evening, September 12, the Community of St. Bridget and the Brecksville United Church of Christ will host Teatime for Peace, co-sponsored by a group of south suburban houses of worship. Teatime for Peace is an opportunity for interfaith dialogue, especially with our Muslim neighbors. Mark your calendar now and begin inviting your friends and neighbors.
In a well-timed effort to prepare for Teatime for Peace, Brecksville United Church of Christ has invited the Community of St. Bridget to join them for some TED talks: August 13 – Verna Myers – How to Overcome our Biases? Walk Boldly Toward Them! August 20 – Karen Armstrong – My Wish: The Charter for Compassion These events will begin at 7:00 PM at BUCC, 23 Public Square, Brecksville, 44141. In addition to viewing the approximately 20 minute-long video, we will also share some light refreshments and some lively conversations. Each evening and topic can stand alone – so feel free to attend any or all of them. Please invite a friend to join you! All are welcome! Two years ago, before the Republican National Convention began in Cleveland, people were concerned. Tempers were running hot and many were worried about Cleveland and the nation. The possibility of violence seemed likely. So a group of people decided not to sit on the sidelines wringing their hands. They chose to stand up and claim love--the most powerful energy there is--and wrap it around the city. By holding hands and keeping silent for 30 minutes, peace came to Cleveland. For those of us who were there, it was a holy experience. We stood in solidarity--not for this or that party or issue or anything. We stood for love.
You have a chance to be part of this holy mission. Join members of your community and stand together in the spirit of love to counteract this time of unrest, turmoil, and uncertainty around the citiy and around the globe. This is a non-violent, peaceful gathering. It is not a protest. Set aside your signs, your politics, and your disagreements this day and use the power of LOVE to bring healing, peace, and unity to our cities, our country, and our world. Sunday, July 29, 2–4 PM Voinovich Park - East 9th Street Pier Cleveland (north of Rock Hall) Learn more: Circle the Cities with Love JUNE 30, 2018 Cleveland Plain Dealer Eastlake woman, 82, to be ordained as priest Saturday sees role as example for other women By Brian Albrecht CLEVELAND, Ohio - Four years ago, when Susan Guzik was ordained a deacon by the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (ARCWP), she was automatically excommunicated by the church. Got an official letter from the bishop of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese and everything. It didn't bother her then. And it won't bother her Saturday when she is ordained as a priest and three women as deacons by the ARCWP in ceremonies at 1 p.m. at the Community of St. Bridget in the Brecksville United Church of Christ. continue reading Malachi House is a home that cares for terminally ill people with few or no resources. It is our primary outreach. If you'd like to contribute items that will be useful to the residents and staff, look on their wish list. HUGE NEED right now: liquid laundry detergent and printer paper. Bring them to church and we will deliver them.
Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church is hosting two screenings of the award-winning documentary, “Disturbing the Peace”. Both screenings will be followed with Q & A with the film’s producers. The film is about people born into conflict, sworn to be enemies, who challenged their fate.
Monday, April 23rd at 7pm and Tuesday, April 24th at 1:30pm Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church is at 9201 Brecksville Road in Brecksville No reservations are necessary and there is no admission charge.
Holy Thursday 6:30 (soup supper) 7:00 Holy Thursday liturgy (shared service with Brecksville UCC)
Good Friday 7 pm Easter Vigil 8 pm Saturday Evening PUT THIS ON YOUR CALENDAR!
Saturday, March 10 is HOMECOMING at the Community of St. Bridget Over the past three years, over 100 of you have worshipped with us. We hope that you and your guests will join us for this celebration! 4:30 pm. Meet and Greet 5:00 pm. Liturgy of the Eucharist, Sanctuary 6:00 pm. Potluck Feast, Pilgrim Hall ~ Main entree and beverages provided ~ Side dishes and desserts welcome! 6:30 pm. Group conversation about the Community, services and outreach Address & Map Everyone knows the Mother who whines, "You never call, you never write." This is us inviting you to catch up. Some of you are regular, some are semi-regular, and some are rare (yet still appreciated!) members of the community. No matter if you came last week or you came once three years ago, we'd love to see you and catch up. Main dish and beverages are on us. If you'd like to bring a side or dessert to share, that would be lovely, but not required. We just would like to have you over! This Saturday, February 10, the Community of St. Bridget will celebrate liturgy in memory of Fr. Mark DiNardo, the late pastor of St. Patrick Church on Bridge Ave. Father supported church reform. He was a friend and supporter of women priests. He said that women priests were "on the right side of history." We thank Fr. Mark for his support and will celebrate his life and legacy.
The Community of St. Bridget has supported a community meal at a Lakewood church for several years.That program has been closed. How can we call ourselves Christians if we're not helping other people? We looked and listened and our board has chosen a new outreach.
We will be working with Malachi House to support them in their ministry of caring for dying people with no resources. We will be telling you more about this important contribution soon! Thank you for contributing your ideas to this important decision.
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