A Joy and a Privilege

 I recently had an opportunity to talk with Kathy Redig, a Roman Catholic female priest who lives and ministers in Winona, Minnesota. I asked her how it was to be a priest. She said it was a joy and a privilege.

In sharing her journey with me, Kathy remembered how she felt alone and without a community. It was her husband who prophesized her current role when he said the only way they could be a part of an inclusive Christian community was for Kathy to begin one. She shared the process she went through to be ordained: the discernment and study, the mentoring and building a community. First a deacon, then Holy Orders.

Kathy told me that her full-time job was a hospital chaplain and that none of the women priests are able to primarily sustain themselves with their ministry. Yet, she has to be at church every Sunday or find a replacement. Her ordination happened within the context of her own worshiping community. Kathy had invited a friend who was a traditional male priest. He wrote back explaining he couldn’t even be near her celebration because of obvious repercussions; he sent his love. She understood. Without ever receiving a formal letter, Kathy knew that because she followed her call, the hierarchy of the Church automatically excommunicated her. But really, it is a joy and a privilege Kathy said. And from the joy in her face and the light shining from her eyes, I believe her. 

If you are interested in learning more about women’s issues in the Catholic Church, here are two upcoming events. There is a forum, Women in a Catholic Church: What Francis Needs to Know, in Chicago on July 25, 2015. For more information: http://org2.salsalabs.com/o/5132/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=76618

The Women’s Ordination Worldwide conference is being held in Philadelphia September 18-20, 2015. For more information: http://womensordinationworldwide.org/wow-2015-conference/