April 2002 Call to Action News

Write On

Scandal will bring reform

Re priest pedophilia in the Boston church (ChurchWatch, March 2002), I feel that out of this tragedy to many, much good will come to the American church. This may be the impetus for priestly recruitment and formation reform, an optional married diocesan priesthood, as well as the long overdue ordination of women to the priesthood and permanent diaconate. CTA is a blessing to all Catholics who look to the opportunities of the future American Catholic Church.

Fr. Frank Waser, Rockford, Ill.

 

Celebrating women of faith

I introduced my small faith community to Dorothy Day last night. They really liked the prayer service (from your Celebrating Women Witnesses packet.) Our group brings food and other supplies to a home that takes in homeless women. They can really identify with Dorothy Day. The service gave them a background into the work of this great woman. I intend to use the entire series, continuing with the prayer service for St. Mary of Magdala. Thank you.

Kathy Herrington, San Jose, Calif.

For more about ordering Women Witnesses and Mary of Magdala resources, click here.

 

“Roots and Wings” on video

All in our province are using Joan Chittister’s talk at CTA from last fall, “Roots and Wings” as our theological update. What this means is that every Sister and Associate has the opportunity to see the video in the context of a discussion, at regularly scheduled meetings this week and next. About 350 women will be delighted and engaged by Joan’s CTA talk. A celebration moment!

Diana Oleskevich, csja, Justice Coordinator Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis, Mo.

 

Friend-ly persuasion

I love reading your newsletter but cannot be considered a member because my lifelong membership in the Society of Friends gives me responsibilities as a Quaker. This ($300) comes in memory of my husband, Huntington Terrell, who died on Dec. 29. He considered himself an atheist but cared deeply about justice. I feel sure he would approve of my sending some of his money to you. I visited a Call To Action church in Missoula, Mont., several years ago and found it very inspiring.

Carolyn Terrell, Mount Holly, N.J.

 

Lost faith, found CTA

I recently had the shattering experience of losing my faith after spending the first 23 years of my life as a devoted (some say zealous) Catholic. I found I spent more time grumbling at the Church’s treatment of homosexuals and women than I did feeling inspired. After an undergraduate education in Catholic studies and nearly entering the priesthood, I just walked away from it all. I used to decry CTA as just a bit too radical for my tastes, and I regret that now. When I received your recent mailing seeking new members, I found myself inspired once again. It goes deeper than simple social justice — you are doing the work of God. Though I need a lot of healing before I can return to the Church, seeing organizations such as CTA gives me hope.

Jonathan Prykop, Urbana, Ill.

 

Dead Man Walking, the opera

As a result of the Milwaukee meeting at which Helen Prejean was a speaker (Nov. 2000), we bought her tape and sent it to our daughter and son-in-law. Knowing that they are patrons of the Austin TX opera, we suggested that they should get the opera “Dead Man Walking” performed in Austin. Maybe even some of the legislators would see a performance; maybe eventually rid Texas of the the death penalty! The result is that the opera is now going to be performed in ten cities, and the each program will carry the message, “Performance made possible in part because of a gift in honor of Joe & Louise Kivlin.” Tickets have been reserved for us at the first — by the Pacific Opera in Costa Mesa in April — and for the Austin performance next January.

Joe and Louise Kivlin, Racine, Wis.