I need women preaching because…

This weekend Russ and I, along with Betty Anne Donnelly went to Washington DC for the Ignatian Family Teach-In to promote and share about Catholic Women Preach. With us, we brought a white board that had the prompt: “I need women preaching because…” As people walked by, I noticed their pause, and while some immediately had answers, others took their time promising they would come back and write their answers the next day.

These answers captured in the photos above ranged a variety from “I need women preaching because women are awesome” to “I need women preaching because Mary literally gave birth to the Word of God.” Women are so deeply embedded and necessary within the Catholic tradition but are so often forgotten.

Perhaps the most hopeful and joyous part of the weekend was seeing young women’s eyes light up as they passed our booth. They would cheer and clap: “YES!! Women should preach. Women need to preach!!” Others would seek us out to let us know they watch every week eagerly awaiting the preacher’s insights on the lectionary. My personal favorite interaction were with young women who shared how much they need to hear women’s voices reflected in Church. For them, it’s not simply a want, it’s a need.

While in DC, I was able to attend a gathering with Fr. Bryan Massingale who shared some of the layers of his work on racial justice. He reminded the attendees (in the context of LGBTQ+ kids), “if you love someone, you will protect them. If you love someone, you will stand up for them.” I think this framework transcends a single issue and reminds us all that loving our sisters means protecting them and standing up for them. That women’s voices must be raised in the Catholic Church both to foster equality and to invoke a love-centered justice.

I need women preaching because there is beauty in our lived experiences and our insights about the world. I need women preaching because there are daughters, sisters, and mothers who need to believe that the Catholic Church wants their voice. I need women preaching because women are worthy of love and celebration. I need women preaching because women are people too- with diverse and poignant stories and Gospel insights to tell and share.

As we head into this next week, I encourage you to ask yourself why you need women preaching. For me, it is the blessing, grace, and hope for a Church that will see us and hear us.

“Catholic Women Preach is one of the more inspiring collection of homilies available today. Based on the deep spirituality and insights of the various women authors, the homilies are solidly based on the scriptures and offer refreshing and engaging insights for homilists and listeners. The feminine perspective has long been absent in the preached word, and its inclusion in this work offers a long overdue and pastorally necessary resource for the liturgical life of the Church.”

Catholic Media Association

Sexuality and the Sacred: A Five-Part Webinar Series

Dates Remaining: November 8, December 13, 2023

"What is the connection between spirituality and sexuality?" This and other questions concerning human sexuality will be the focus of this five-part webinar series. Join
Spirit Alive: The CSJ Institute for Faith Inquiry and Education for this opportunity to consider how the Church understands sex, sexuality, gender, and human love in light of contemporary questions.

Speaker Details/Registration

Mary, the Mother of Jesus: An Online Course

November 22-December 12, 2023

Boston College School of Theology and Ministry Online Crossroads Course

This course explores three key events in Luke’s portrayal of Mary as the mother of Jesus: the Annunciation, the Visitation, and, the proclamation of the Canticle of Mary. Explore these and other images of the Blessed Mother through the centuries and what they tell us about the call to trust God’s plan, the active dimension of receiving God’s work, and the value of human encounters for deepening our understanding of the divine work in our lives. 

Details/Registration