Women

WOMEN

POST VATICAN II “The traditional liturgical forms of the Church prohibit women (young girls, married, religious) from serving* the priest at the altar, even in women’s chapels, houses, convents, schools and institutions. In accordance with the rules governing this matter, women may (a) Proclaim the scripture readings, with the exception of the Gospel, (b) Offer the intentions for the Prayer of the Faithful, (c) Lead the congregation’s singing, play the organ or other approved instruments, (d) Give explanatory comments to help people understand the services and (e) Fulfill other services, as ushers and collecting offerings” (LITURGIAE INSTAURATIONED, 9/5/70).

*This refers to acting as an acolyte (altar girl), not to serving communion to the people.

In spite of these prohibitions, many progressive priests have allowed women to function as not officially allowed.

From APOSTOLIC LETTER MULIERIS DIGNITATEM, John Paul II, This letter, `On the Dignity and Vocation of Women’ defines motherhood and virginity as the major vocations of women.

SECULAR JOURNALS From ORLANDO SENTINEL, 4/3/90. “A panel of U.S. Catholic bishops, in the final draft of a pastoral letter on women distributed Monday, said that men unable to deal with women as equals should not be considered fit for the priesthood. But the committee’s proposed declaration reiterated the church ban on female priests.

“The admission of women in all ministries not requiring ordination was also endorsed by the committee of six bishops.

“Excluding women as lectors or altar servers seems `to contradict our mandate that women be more visibly involved in the life of our church,’ the committee said.

“The panel urged that the Vatican soon study whether women deacons may be ordained and expressed hope that women will not leave Catholicism because of the church’s consistent practice of an all-male priesthood.

“The 99-page document praises `Christian feminists,’ women who are faithful to church teachings yet promote the staus of women as equal with men.”