A Call for National Dialogue on the
Future of Priestly Ministry
In this project, we explore the future of our Catholic sacramental life if nothing is done about the priest shortage. Our intention is to urge Catholics to start talking about what the priest shortage means to them and their parishes. We particularly encourage the formation of dialogue groups in parishes and small faith communities. Materials address the scope of the priest shortage, trends in ecclesial ministry, and related issues, such as the history of celibacy in the Church, and communion services and worship in the absence of a priest. We also provide materials on organizing, media relations and prayer services. Our "Parish Celebration of the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ," calls for reflection on the true meaning of the Eucharist and prayers to commemorate our Eucharistic identity. The Corpus Christi service can be ordered separately or with our FOPM packet.
Celebrating Women Witnesses and More! Celebrating Women Witnesses: A Project to Rediscover Women Leaders in the Church
Since we first published materials about rediscovering the true Mary of Magdala, we've been asked for other resources on women in Church history. The result was two sets off 13 profiles of women who defied the patriarchy of their day to witness to the gospel of Jesus. Expert writers created biographies of women such as Clare of Assisi, Teresa of Avila, Theo Bowman, Dorothy Day, Julian of Norwich and the Beguines. Prayer services to accompany their feast days also are included in this package.
Advancing Women in Church Leadership
This project grew from a desire to provide practical resources for women and men who wish to implement the far-reaching recommendations of the 1996 Benchmarks projects published by the Leadership Council of Women Religious this resource educates about the inclusive practice of Jesus and St. Paul and advocates for increased leadership roles for women in the Church right now..The project packet Contains articles written by experts about women in the Bible and lectionary and feminist theology, as well as organizing tips and prayer and faith sharing resources. Also includes expanded materials about lay ecclesial ministers (80% of whom are women), parish life coordinators, lay preaching and women officeholders in the early church.
Scores of Women in Church Leadership "anchors" have organized dialogues in various parts of the country as a result of this project. They have continued to keep the conversation about the roles of women in the church on the front burner, even as talk about the ordination of women has been officially hushed by the Vatican.
Save Our Parish Community
Proactive strategies and best practices for keeping vibrant parishes open in a time of fewer priests. Includes resources from canon law for resisting unjust closure; experiences of parish closings; a sample parish constitution; prayers to use for parish vigils and parish closings; and organizing and media tools. Also contains a crisis kit for parishes unexpectedly faced with closing or merging. (Crisis kit also available for free download)