Author: Regina Bannan

They surprise me, these Bishops. A measure of transparency surrounds the USCCB meeting next Tuesday and Wednesday. A news release lists items on the agenda for the plenary sessions with links to relevant documents. There’s a live stream and social media coverage. WOW! But before I knew all this, I made a list of some…
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As we prepare to get an extra hour’s sleep, let’s rest easy and think about what might happen because of the amazing summary reports of the national and universal synod process. We the laity suddenly have our concerns revealed to all the world. We can whip out these documents as things come up – and…
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Kate McElwee strikes exactly the right note in her letter to WOC members on Thursday: “We have reached a touchstone moment on the synodal path, and thanks to your efforts, women’s ordination is still a major part of the conversation,” except I would emphasize “thanks to your efforts.” So many people who support women’s ordination showed…
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Maybe you’ve seen this already, but read it again: There was a desire for stronger leadership, discernment, and decision-making roles for women – both lay and religious – in their parishes and communities: “people mentioned a variety of ways in which women could exercise leadership, including preaching and ordination as deacon or priest. Ordination for…
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Do you say this to yourself when you see another blog from me about the Synod? I have to confess I think that myself. What you need to know is that Southeastern Pennsylvania Women’s Ordination Conference, myself included, has demonstrated for forty years outside the Cathedral. While we know that we have caused some people…
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As I sit down to write this, the Queen of England dies. On the BBC, I hear first a comment from the Roman Catholic Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, and then one from the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury. How ironic. What does this mean in the long history of the monarchy, even as the Boleyn family…
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This week I will take a break from my Synod series and rejoice in some CARDINAL actions.First, of course, is Women’s Ordination Worldwide’s terrific nighttime witness. Despite all the problems the Vatican presents for us, evening in St. Peter’s Square is magical, and our creative leaders added to the magic with their message. Second is…
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OK. You’ve been waiting for it. What have the US Bishops done with the Synod reports from 95% of the dioceses in our country? We need a text! According to Brian Fraga in NCR, in early August the “synod team” held a “writing retreat” after “regional reports” had been prepared. I suppose some rubric is…
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Last week no new article appealed to me. This week, the results of the Irish Synod came out, and WOW. Literally, Women’s Ordination Worldwide! After Australia and Germany, here we go again. In contrast to the Australian kerfuffle over the role of women, the Irish are not afraid to say what they really want. Mary…
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La Croix International has August off, so every day they post a few articles from earlier this year. Sometimes I remember that I’ve read them and even used them, but sometimes I don’t. One issue I didn’t address is raised in “Why Celibacy?” by Chris McDonnell, a headteacher in England. It’s inspired by a reflection…
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