Click here for a PDF copy of this web page (three pages).

One Spirit~One Call

Summary of Event at St. Charles
on November 21, 2010

MOVEMENT, NOT JUST EVENT

As proclaimed at the very successful prayerful witness event in downtown Portland on September 26, 2010, One Spirit~One Call was not a one-time event but the start of a movement to work for equality of women in the Catholic Church.

NOVEMBER 21 EVENT AT ST. CHARLES PARISH

Members of St. Charles Parish generously hosted a follow-up event to continue prayer, witness, and action to work for equality and justice for women in the Catholic Church. Despite stormy weather and the threat of snow, some 165 women from twenty-seven parishes attended. The afternoon included prayer, song, liturgical dance, testimonials, and work sessions to discern where the Spirit is leading us.

WOMEN’S CIRCLES

Since the September 26 event, many women and men have engaged in One Spirit~One Call circles, to talk about their history in the Catholic Church and share their vision for the future church. The event at St. Charles built on the work and vision within these circles, and discussion centered around four major themes:

THEMES

1.    Review of Vatican II principles and evaluation of progress

• Educate about Vatican II
• Educate the “undoing” and how it will affect us
• OSOC sponsored forums, lectures
• Organize study groups of women and men, diverse ages

2.    Education to empower women and raise awareness among men

• Develop resources—recommended reading list; NCR
• Learn strategies from communities of sisters
• Learn women’s history/leadership in the early church
• Host lectures on women’s history in the church
• Educate us first; then dialogue will happen easily with others
• Share our stories
• Research early Christian women & saints; today’s leading women
• Inform parish councils on OSOC by asking for time at meetings
• Review concept of justice
• Training in leadership development and relational organizing (MACG)
• Visualize full participation

3.    Full equality for women to share their gifts

• Suspend all work done by women in the church for one month
• Challenge church in courts over job discrimination (ACLU)
• Educate:
  Research women in the church and women deacons
  FutureChurch: www.futurechurch.org
• Extend education to young people about women in the church
• Further define justice, equality, fairness, “right of way”
• Find value of women administrators/pastoral associates.
• Build connection between Holy Names and OSOC women

4.    Inclusive environment within the Church

• Study successfully inclusive churches. What is already being done?
• Outreach to all parishes to reach more women throughout the diocese
• Use inclusive language in songs, prayers, scripture, and bulletins.

NEED FOR EDUCATION

Many individuals and continuing circles are interested in educating themselves about the history and current status of women in the Church. The OSOC web site will serve as a resource for books, articles, and news stories to support increased awareness of the thematic issues that are our focus. In addition, numerous qualified individuals locally and regionally can be invited to act as resources.

NEED FOR ACTION

There is a strong urge to action, not just talk. Fifty individuals want to continue to study the four themes through reading and discussion. More than 60 women (36 percent) expressed the desire to continue to be part of an ongoing circle or action group.

LEADERSHIP

A leadership retreat is planned for February 5, 2011, at Mary’s Woods, Marylhurst. Some 35 women indicated an interest in attending.

FURTHER EVENTS

Click here for a PDF copy of this web page (three pages).