Judy Russell: Catholics pray for vocations while women still await ordination

Judy Russell

A recent Pew Research poll of U.S. Catholics showed 64% of respondents support ordaining women as priests.

That’s according to information from the Women’s Ordination Conference, “a voice for women’s equality in the Roman Catholic Church.”

“While 64% still seems far too low, the tide is changing. Support for women’s ordination is trending up,” the WOC stated.

“Catholics know the truth behind the rhetoric of a ‘vocations crisis’ that gets trotted out on Vocations Sunday (April 21 this year). Women are ready and prepared, and called to the priesthood. Women do priestly work. And we need women priests,” the organization proclaimed. “We encourage you to join us in calling the church to embrace the splendid reality that God calls people of all genders to the priesthood.”

As part of Vocations Sunday, the WOC has scheduled witness presentations at various church locations throughout the United States, and offers virtual coverage of them. The theme for these events is “Same Baptism. Same Spirit. Same Calling.” It also is the song of their work, written and performed by Jessica Gerhardt.

Defining the theme for Vocations Sunday, the organization wrote the following:

Same Baptism: We believe in one baptism in Jesus Christ, in which all believers are baptized priest, prophet, and royalty.

Same Spirit: The Holy Spirit gives Her grace freely, abundantly, and fully to all people.

Same Calling: By virtue of our common baptism, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, all people have the capacity to be authentically called to ordained ministry.

The WOC even quotes from the interim document from the ongoing institutional Church Synod on Synodality, which resumes meeting this October in Rome. Section 9b of the interim document states: “In Christ, women and men are clothed with the same baptismal dignity and receive equally the variety of gifts of the Spirit. We are called together into a communion of loving, non-competitive relationships in Christ, and to a co-responsibility to be expressed at every level of the Church’s life.”

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  • This is April 21, the third Sunday of the month, and the Sunday when Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church of Oshkosh introduces its 12:34 Concert Series. This free event, open to the public, features Wisconsin musical acts on the third Sunday of the month, from now through Nov. 17. It includes an hour-long concert in the sanctuary, 1174 Algoma Blvd. In addition to the concert, those attending are welcome at a potluck lunch at 11:30 a.m., preceding the concert, in the church’s Paine Hall. This concert features Old Oaks, offering the acoustic music of singer/songwriter Frank Laufenberg and saxophonist Daniel Haschke. The music ranges from 12-string renditions of classic tunes “Purple Haze” and “Heart of Gold” to folk-jazz originals. Laufenberg is a soil scientist who studied environmental science and environmental sociology at UW-Madison. So, in honor of Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 26), the theme of this first concert will center around environmental sustainability and climate justice.

  • A Catholic/Christian evening will take place starting at 7 p.m. April 22 at Xavier Fine Arts Theatre, 1600 Prospect Ave., Appleton. “God’s Healing through Music, Story and Art” is the theme of the presentation, which will feature Brian Keliher, Ars Deo, “Arts for God;” Bob Kroll, author of “The Father Wound,” and Luke Spehar, Christian acoustic singer/songwriter. No tickets are needed for this event, but a freewill offering is welcome. For more information, call 920-450-3025 or email clafmo@gmail.com.

  • A Solitary Confinement Day of Action will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. April 23 at the State Capitol, 2 E. Main St., Madison. The event will feature testimonies from survivors of solitary confinement and a presentation on national best practices by leaders of the Unlock the Box Campaign. The event is sponsored by WISDOM, The National Religious Campaign Against Torture, and WISDOM’s Unlock the Box Campaign. After the presentations, in the North Hearing Room on the second floor of the Capitol, WISDOM members will meet with state legislators. WISDOM campaigns to end solitary confinement, advance racial justice, decarcerate Wisconsin, and “redirect resources to build safer, stronger and healthier communities.” Register in advance for this event at https://bit.ly/solitaryconfinementdayofaction. Email questions to ricermark@gmail.com.

  • First United Methodist Church of Oshkosh will have its All Church Rummage Sale April 26-27. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 26 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27. Some of the treasures to be found include clothing, household décor, furniture, lamps, housewares, toys, sports equipment, puzzles, games, office supplies, crafting supplies, purses, shoes, jewelry and books. Proceeds go to the missions of the church. The church is at 700 W. Linwood Ave.

  • Trinity Lutheran Church, 370 Bowen St., Oshkosh, welcomes guest Kenneth Hill, MCM, for an organ concert recital with hymn sing at 6 p.m. April 27. All are welcome to this free event, at which a freewill offering will be taken. Hill is an organist and composer with more than 50 years of experience. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois. He continued his studies, receiving a master’s in church music with an emphasis in organ performance from Concordia University, Mequon. He has had several compositions for organ and choir published by Concordia Publishing House.

  • The next free Community Breakfast, in Magnolia Hall at First Presbyterian Church, 110 Church Ave., Oshkosh, will be from 8 to 10 a.m. April 27. Enjoy a hearty, home-cooked breakfast, a place to relax, and a place to meet old friends and new. Families are welcome.

  • The reunited Oshkosh Choraliers will sing prelude music starting at 8 a.m. April 28 at St. Mary Church, 210 Pleasant Drive, Winneconne, prior to the 8:30 a.m. Mass. For more than 50 years, the Choraliers have been sharing their gift of song. They perform concerts in Oshkosh at various churches and assisted-living facilities.

Thought for the Day: Same Baptism. Same Spirit. Same Calling. Pray for the ordination of women.

Judy Russell of Oshkosh writes about happenings at area centers of worship. To submit news for her consideration, email oshkoshsubmit@thenorthwestern.com with the subject “Church news.” Deadline is 5 p.m. Mondays.

This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh faith column by Judy Russell talks ordaining women as priests

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