Local organizers plan Holy Week action for Ordination

Chrism 2013

In every diocese across the country next week, a special Mass at the Cathedral will prepare priests for the coming Easter season and the new liturgical year. At some of those Masses, priests will also get a reminder of who is not at the table. For several years, many of our chapters have held a vigil for women's ordination outside the annual Chrism Mass at their cathedral.  

Chrism Masses around the country gather all the priests in the diocese to bless the sacramental oils which they will use all year as they minister to their community.  In recent years, the Chrism Mass has also been a time for the men to recommit to their vows and reaffirm their obedience to the Bishop of the diocese. Events like the Chrism Mass and the upcoming Synod in Rome make one thing powerfully clear: women have been shut out of official leadership and decision making in our Church. Over 80% of lay ministers in the Catholic Church are women. As the male priest shortage continues, these women perform many of the tasks of ministering to the parish which would have traditionally been performed by the priest. These women are proving by example that, even if they are banned from performing sacraments, they can be pastors to their communities, yet they are shut out of official leadership.

There is still time to plan your own vigil for women's ordination! Check your diocesan website to find out when the Mass will be held (it is often on Tuesday of Holy Week). Then grab a few friends, a few posters and some prayer resources (try these, or these). What a great way to start the Easter Season!