Priestesses? Why Not? — A Guide for Catechists
In an age where equality and non-discrimination are taken by many as the highest and even as the sole principles of morality, among the most difficult truths for many present day Catholics (or would be Catholics) to understand, accept or justify, is the reservation of the priesthood to men alone. The objective here is to give a clear presentation of what the Church herself says about this issue in the hope that this will be useful to those handing on the Catholic faith, especially those engaged in RCIA programs, and the like, who are dealing with people more than likely influenced precisely by these two modern ‘dogmas’ of equality and non-discrimination.
Practically Speaking: Notes from the Parish
Parish catechesis is a very messy enterprise. The catechist knows the wonder and joy of those who hear and believe; but also the sorrow of watching those who are lukewarm drift away. There is often a daily encounter with stressed and over-committed parents, disinterested teens, and poorly written texts. In the midst of jostling for parish space, answering questions about first communion veils, or explaining why a Buddhist best friend cannot be counted as a Christian witness for baptism, the idealism that accompanied that first catechetical ‘call’ can begin to lessen! The question begins to seep into the corner of the catechist’s consciousness: “what was I thinking…?”
