Behind the Scenes of Ordain A Lady: Random, fun facts and your questions answered!
Where did the idea for “Ordain A Lady” come from?
Carly Rae Jepsen’s catchy hit, Call Me Maybe, is the most parodied, copied, and reworked song of the year. From Olympians to Cookie Monster, everyone has taken a turn at creating their own version. We couldn’t let 2012 go by without putting our own WOC spin on it.
Where was the music video filmed?
The beautiful church we filmed at was St. Thomas Episcopal Church in downtown Washington, DC. We are forever grateful for their hospitality and “schmoozing.”
Why was the video inspired by St. Thérèse of Lisieux?
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a Doctor of the Church, is the patron saint of women’s ordination. St. Thérèse’s call to the priesthood is well-documented. St. Thérèse died at the young age of 24. Before her death she stated, “You see, God is going to take me at an age when I would not have had the time to become a priest…. If I could have been a priest, I would have been ordained at these June ordinations. So what did God do? So that I would not be disappointed, he let me be sick: in that way I could not have been there, and I would die before I could exercise my ministry.”
Where did you get your priestly attire?
The priest vestments were actually from a costume company down the street from the WOC office and were originally created for a production of Becket. They were created for men and much too long for any of us. We shorted them by knotting the backs with ponytail holders. Just two weeks after we borrowed the costumes, the store randomly closed down.
How long did it take to film the video?
It took about 5 hours from start to finish. The three catholic school girls danced for that entire time.
What does M.Div mean?
M.Div is short for “Master of Divinity.” It is the most common academic degree in seminaries and divinity schools.
What does chasuble mean?
The chasuble is the outermost liturgical vestment worn by priests for the celebration of the Eucharist.
What does “some pope in a hat closed discussion on that” refer to?
Pope John Paul II officially closed the discussion on women’s ordination in 1994. People have been fired from their jobs for even discussing the issue.
The “Pope” in our music video is our executive director, Erin Saiz Hanna, dancing with her son.
What’s your issue with St. Paul?
The phrase in the video refers very specifically to 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, in which Paul wrote: “As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church”
Opponents of women’s ordination often use this one misogynistic quote to try and validate the male-only priesthood and why women shouldn’t preach. We are constantly up against this quote. However, in the great words of St. Theresa of Avila, “about the injunction of the Apostle Paul that women should keep silent in church? Don’t go by one text only.” So true. St. Paul also has many wonderful quotes, including being attributed to, “there is no free nor, slave, and no woman nor man, no Jew nor Greek” (Gal. 3:28).
And quite honestly, “Paul” easily rhymed with “call.” 😉
Send us your questions at woc@womensordination.org
Watch Ordain A Lady here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0S2WlvNTU8
13 Responses
This video is awesome. It’s perfect – it’s exactly the antidote to this ridiculous situation we’re in with the Church. If Facebook could be used to bring democracy to the Arab world – why can’t Catholics use it to change the church?
Can’t get enough of this wonderful movement…becoming a reality!!! Please print the parody lyrics!!!!!
Why did you disable the comments on Youtube?
My dear, dear sisters in Christ, I am so delighted to have just found your sight and the FB page! The video is GREAT! You are in my prayers as you agitate for positive, progressive, justice-oriented change from within the institution. I won’t overtly “schmooz”, but will mention The Old Catholic Church, Province of the United States. 🙂 All the best in the New Year to you. May Peace, Grace, and Love abound!
At midnight New Years I was home by 11:45…..11:55 I booted my computer and at midnight I was assaulted with this great piece of work on FB….there are no words how joyous this was to view and hear this project!!! Thank U! Perhaps u can join me in CONGA LINE FOR PEACE
by Chickie Farella
At midnight New Years I was home by 11:45…..11:55 I booted my computer and at midnight I was assaulted with this great piece of work on FB….there are no words how joyous this was to view and hear this project!!! Thank U
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by Chickie Farella
Your write-up states, “People have been fired from their jobs for even discussing the issue.”
So, why disable Youtube comments? I would have liked to have seen a discussion of the video.
So your response to the intellectual, philosophical and theological reasoning of the Magisterium(no to female priests is far more than just one verse) is a musical non serviam(excommunication ok, the pope is in the way etc.) how exactly does this contribute anything positive?
This video parody, while creative, is quite sad for as much as it reflects actual beliefs/opinions of people who think they can remain in union with the Church while denying a fundamental doctrine. The attitude presented in the video toward the Christ-chosen leadership of the Pope is very instructive of what motivates WOC. I find it interesting that the video never mentions Jesus or his decision about ordination not even once. Finally, I have no idea what the lyric is supposed to mean toward the end of the song that both mentions some past age when women priests were in a catholic’s life and the idea of wanting “our Church” back. I don’t usually encounter these days a positive evaluation of those who want to turn the clock back in the Church or go backward. That’s usually met with resistance and suspicion. Just how far back does the WOC want to go? Will women priests celebrate the extraordinary form Latin Mass?
I would disable comments. They put on this beautiful piece to express themselves. There have been and are many opportunities for your type to express the opinion you hold. And without risk of losing your job. At this point there’s over 80,000 hits on youtube.
Seems that the moderator of this blog did not agree with me earlier post. So I guess that being “inclusive” applies only for the things that you want.
Or is it that your position on WO is so incredibly weak that you can’t stand it when someone points out a few simple and obvious truths. At which point you censure the debate. Well, yopu can’t call it a debate if you silence those you disagree with. When you do that than your blog becomes propoganda.
But what does any of this matter? After all. WO is all about what women want, and nothing else.
Your glorious video actually moved me to tears, even as I was laughing. The schmoozing line made me laugh because I well remember the time I had dinner w/an ELCA pastor friend who said, “We’d ordain you in a heartbeat.” The tears for the “I’ve been baptized” chorus. Bless you.
Loved the music video. What a beautiful celebration of God’s call. Congratulations!!!! I will be making a donation.