Parish Kit International Women s Day 2010 Sunday 7 March International Women s Day has been observed since 1911 as the day connecting all women around the world. The theme this year is Empowering women to end poverty by 2015. Can it be done? The health of our society can be judged by the treatment of its most vulnerable citizens. ACBC Social Justice Statement 2008 We must get this right first and I urge all women to follow closely our government s commitment to our most vulnerable citizens. The Millennium Development Goals were adopted by 189 nations and signed by 147 heads of state and governments in 2000. Promises have been made and many organizations are working diligently to bring these 8 goals to public awareness. I recommend to you Blueprint for a Better World, a traveling multimedia exhibition sponsored by AusAID and Caritas Australia, the Aid and Development agency of the Catholic Church. 2010 is also the 10th anniversary of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Social Justice Statement in response to Woman and Man: One in Christ Jesus. Included with this Parish Resource is a letter from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference marking this significant anniversary. The Bishops acknowledge the work of the Council for Australian Catholic Women and the Office for the Participation of Women and women from all spheres are affirmed in their commitment to seek to build up God s Kingdom. During 2009 the members of the Council for Australian Catholic Women have again met women from around this great country who have inspired us with their faithfulness and love of Church. I would especially like to mention the women of the Northern Territory who extended hospitality to us and shared some of their life stories with us. Our prayers on this day are for women worldwide and for our most vulnerable women living in fear and despair especially in Australia. We affirm too those women who are ministering this kit contains: A letter from Patricia Banister, Chair, Council for Australian Catholic Women Parish Bulletin Notice the 2015 challenge. in our rural and outback regions who bring hope and dignity to these communities. This Parish Resource has been prepared to help celebrate International Women s day 2010. I invite you to use this resource in your liturgies and celebrations. Liturgy notes including: Preparation Welcome homily Suggestions by Sr Josephine Armour OP, member of the Council for Australian Catholic Women Prayers of General Intercession With every good wish, PATRICIA BANISTER, ChAIR, COuNCIl for AuSTRAlIAN CAThOlIC WOMEN
letter to Women from the Catholic Bishops of Australia Dear Catholic Women of Australia, This year marks the 10th anniversary of the report into the participation of women in the Catholic Church in Australia, Woman and Man: One in Christ Jesus. This publication was an important moment in the recent history of the Catholic Church in Australia. It represented the real desire of the Bishops to hear your concerns, to learn from them and to respond to them. The Social Justice Statement of 2000 was the first step towards a response, outlining in a series of recommendations, practical measures towards ensuring that every person feels valued, included and respected in the life of the Church. Ten years on, we take this opportunity to reflect prayerfully with you on the blessings and challenges that have emerged in that time in the area of women s participation in Church life. We also look forward with hope to what can be achieved together in the future. We wish to honour you and to thank you for the precious gift that you are to the Church in Australia. Each member of the Body of Christ brings their own God-given gifts to the fundamental task in front of us all to seek to build up God s Kingdom in our own place and our own time. As women, you bring to this holy enterprise a special gift, which Pope John Paul II famously described as the genius of women. We see this genius brought to vibrant life all around us, both in the Church and in the wider world. It is there in the face of a young woman setting out on the journey to explore her vocation and find her place in the world. It is there in women, married or single, whose faith inspires them to excel in their profession. It is there in wives and mothers who nurture and love their offspring and bring them to know the love of Jesus Christ. We see it in the service and devotion of women with a vocation to the religious life as well as in those very many unsung women who are carers or who serve the poor, the outcast, the lonely, the sick in the spirit of true social justice modelled by Christ. We see it too in those women who play a vital role in the new ecclesial movements emerging in the life of the Church. This anniversary also provides us with a chance to reflect on the journey we all take in union with women of the Old and New Testaments, pioneering women of Australia, and Religious Sisters past and present, including Blessed Mary MacKillop, from whose final resting place we gather to write this letter. In the year of the Centenary of her death we joyfully await the news of her canonisation. Holiness of life is the greatest service any of us can give our Church and our world. We acknowledge the work of the Council for Australian Catholic Women and the Office for the Participation of Women in honouring their twofold mandate to act as a focal point for ongoing dialogue and integration of ideas pertaining to women and their participation in the Catholic Church in Australia, and to assist in the implementation of the decisions and recommendations arising from the Bishops response to the Woman and Man report. Many initiatives have been undertaken, both nationally and at diocesan and local level. Among these are the Women s Interfaith Fellowship, parish kits to help us celebrate International Women s Day each year, the Women Matter e-newsletter which gives voice to the many initiatives being undertaken by you in the dioceses and parishes around Australia. We are pleased to also note that progress is being made on one of the key recommendations of the Woman and Man research report - that concerted effort should be made to increase women s participation in decision making bodies of the ACBC. A 2008 update of the 2005 review of membership of advisory councils and other bodies connected with the Bishops Conference saw a welcome increase in the balance of women and men, clergy, religious and lay members on these councils. By then, 40 per cent of the non-episcopal positions were held by women. We pray that this percentage will continue to grow, not only within the ACBC, but in dioceses and parishes too. We also pay tribute to the very many women in positions of leadership in Catholic education, health and social welfare services. We thank you for the profound contribution you make to the life and mission of the Church. In launching the Bishops Response to the Woman and Man report in September 2000, Archbishop Francis Carroll noted that the report revealed hurts and frustrations experienced by many women in the church even as it recorded the happy fulfilment of others. Today, in 2009, we wish to reaffirm our commitment to nourishing the positive experience of women in the Church, while addressing the negative in real and constructive ways. We make this commitment to you in full awareness of our communion with the Universal Church, our faithfulness to its traditions and our adherence to its teachings. As we look to the future, all of us who are part of the Body of Christ, are challenged to imagine new ways that women can participate more fully in the life of the Church. In this, we remain always open to the fresh stirrings of the Holy Spirit who dwells among us all, inspires us and leads us onward together in faith. Archbishop Phillip E. Wilson Archbishop of Adelaide President, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
Liturgy Notes PreParatIoN 2010 marks the tenth anniversary of the Australian Bishops Social Justice Statement, Woman and Man: One in Christ Jesus; a response to the report of this title published in 1999. This statement provided a blueprint for action in increasing the participation of women in the Catholic Church in Australia. The Social Justice Statement contains 9 decisions at the national level and 31 proposals for action in dioceses. Major suggestions to increase the participation of women in the Church were outlined in the report. These included: Involvement of women in decision making at all levels Re-examination of the nature of ministry Exploration of more inclusive roles for men and women Reform of beliefs and practices that do not promote the equality of men and women Ongoing dialogue regarding the participation of women focussing on women s involvement and participation in different areas of Church life and ministry through theological reflection, pastoral planning and dialogue with women and women s groups on particular issues is a priority. Engaging the wisdom, expertise and talents of women is integral for the enhancement of the Church and the wider society. The anniversary this year provides a timely opportunity to ask: how much of Jesus Christ s message has been heard and acted upon? SuGGeSteD INSert for ParISh bulletins Since 1911 International Women s Day has been celebrated as the global day connecting all women around the world and inspiring them to achieve their full potential. This day is an opportunity to reflect on the dignity and role of all women; in the family, society and the Church. The letter of Pope John Paul II to Women reminds us that Jesus Christ provided a wonderful example of treating women: When it comes to setting women free from every kind of exploitation and domination, the Gospel contains an ever relevant message which goes back to the attitude of Jesus Christ himself. Transcending the established norms of his own culture, Jesus treated women with openness, respect, acceptance and tenderness. In this way he honoured the dignity which women have always possessed according to God s plan and in his love. (n.3) We pray that we, the Church, ensure that women are encouraged to flourish within the Catholic Church in Australia and that all women are appreciated for the contribution they make to the fullness of the Church. WeLcoMe Today in our community we recognize and celebrate International Women s Day. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the contribution that all women make in families, society and the Church. Actively encouraging women s participation in the Church should be a priority. We need to be an inclusive Church which embraces the talents, gifts and expertise of all. As we honour International Women s Day this year, may we pause to recognize, celebrate and give thanks for all women s God-given, baptismal commitment. Today we are invited to pray for all women who contribute to the Church through a great diversity of roles and tasks.
Liturgy Notes homily SuGGeStIoNS for 3rD SuNDay of LeNt by Sr JoSePhINe amour op readings: Exodus 3: 1-8, 13-15. Psalm 102 1 Corinthians 10: 1-6, 10-12 luke 13: 1-9. If there is one theme to be drawn from the readings set down for today, the 3rd Sunday in lent, it is surely the fact that God is faithful. We should not be surprised by this because faithfulness is a quality that accompanies love. We know that God is not only loving, but that God is love itself, and in being love itself, God is also faithful to all of creation. In the first reading, we hear the story of Moses who is confronted by God through the experience of the burning bush. In the Exodus account, we are told that God has observed the suffering and misery of the hebrew people and will deliver them from this suffering. I have heard their cry I know their sufferings I have come to deliver them In his letter to the Corinthians, although Paul is quite harsh in his warnings to the people of Corinth, he nevertheless reminds them that God is faithful, and will not let them be tested beyond their strength. In the Gospel today, the parable of the fig tree is also consoling, for it speaks of the love and mercy of our God. The vineyard owner, not surprisingly, wants to cut the fig tree down. After all it has grown no fruit for three years. Why keep it? And yet, the gardener, the person who takes responsibility for the vineyard and the one we expect to know about trees, says, No, leave it for one more year and I will dig around it and put manure on it. In other words, the gardener is prepared to make a special effort, to give extra nourishment to this unproductive tree. Parables tell us something of the nature and faithfulness of God and this parable is no exception. how many of you are gardeners? Gardeners have a love of the earth and of living plants. They tend and nourish, and when a plant is struggling, gardeners do not give up. No, they give more care, and provide what is needed in order that life may blossom and come forth and in this case in order that the fig tree might bear figs. The gardener in this parable can be likened to our God, who in faithfulness to us, desires more than anything, the flourishment and the fullness of all life. The nurturing of life is also a quality we associate with parenting. Mothers and fathers desire the best for their children and want them to fulfill their potential. When
Liturgy Notes Thousands of women have throughout history, cared for others with the same spirit of faithfulness that the gardener of Luke s parable showed. children are sick or suffering we see parents go to any lengths to provide the care and nourishment that is needed to restore that child to health. Many parents watch their children struggle with psychological burdens, mental illnesses, or drug dependency but this does not lessen their love for that child, nor their faithfulness to their children. Tomorrow is International Women s Day across the world. IWD celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future. It is a day when women are recognised for their achievements, without regard for divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. Many women, whether mothers, carers or friends show to us the qualities which this parable speaks of today. Thousands of women have throughout history, cared for others with the same spirit of faithfulness that the gardener of luke s parable showed. Many have gone unnoticed by the world, because that care and love is provided in the quietness of a home, or in the company of perhaps only one or two others. It is the nurture that takes place day by day with encouraging words, a consoling touch, a meal provided in a time of stress, or even an unexpected birthday card or a smile. let us remember these women, the women in our lives who mirror the work of the gardener, giving the extra nourishment to the tree that might bear nothing. Perhaps the tree will not ever come to fruit, but that is not the question asked by the gardener. The gardener, provides all the care possible in the hope that the fig tree might fruit. And of course, it is not only women who mirror the work of the gardener. All people can do this, for in doing so, we do the work of God. We show the face of God to others. It is important that we value the way of being in the world which provides nurture and encouragement. It is a way traditionally attributed to women. In fact some have even said this is women s work: to care for others, to love and encourage, to nurture and provide, to give hope when there seems no reason for hope. And yet the tragedy is that our world suffers when we do not all take on this work, when we do not all value the gardener-like qualities of giving special care to others and especially as we see in this parable to the ones who may not ever recover full health, the ones who might never produce fruit, and the ones in whom everyone else has given up. International Womens Day originated in 1908 in New York amongst women garment makers demanding better working conditions in the company. The Women were working in very poor conditions, earning half of men s wages and dying too early in poor health. In 1910, an international conference of women determined that each year a day should be set aside to help build a society which values diversity, tolerance, safety, social justice and social equality between women and men. The recognition and celebration of International Women s Day as part of the annual international calendar began in 1911. As we consider how we can help to build a world where these qualities are valued let us today reflect upon the parable that Jesus told and upon the faithfulness of the gardener who dares to give the tree further chance to grow. May we come to know more fully the God of faithfulness, who said in ancient times and still says to us today, I have seen your suffering, I have heard your cry.
Prayers of General Intercession Priest: Dear friends, as we celebrate International Women s Day today and reflect on the role of women in society and the Church, let us pray with confidence to a loving God. 1. We pray for the universal church and its leaders. May they seek and give witness to truth vision and hope.. We pray to the Lord. 2. We pray for women in the Church in Australia. May the spirit of discernment grace our ministries, liberate compassion and engender hope. We pray to the Lord. 3. We pray for women whose spiritual insights have nurtured and sustained others. May their faithfulness to the risen Christ continue to bless the world. We pray to the Lord. 4. We pray for Australian Aboriginal women. May their dreaming pave ways for a future that honours the diversity of God s creation. We pray to the Lord. 5. We pray for women who walk alongside those who feel excluded. May their healing presence give witness to the Christ who is the light, the truth and the way. We pray to the Lord. 6. We pray for women who are carers, professionally and in the home. May their generous service awaken a mindfulness of the need we have for each other. We pray to the Lord. 7. We pray for women who accompany the sick and dying. May their gracious presence capture the mystery of forever being held in the palm of Your hand. We pray to the Lord. 8. We pray for a particular woman in our lives. (pause briefly for personal intentions). May your blessings accompany her all the days of her life. We pray to the Lord. Priest: loving God, pour out your spirit on the women of Australia and shower them with your blessings. We offer these prayers to you, knowing that you listen and respond to our needs. Amen. This parish kit has been produced by the Bishops Commission for Church Ministry, Office for the Participation of Women and Council for Australian Catholic Women. Please address all enquiries to: Director Office for the Participation of Women GPO Box 368 CANBERRA ACT 2601 t (02) 6201 9867 F (02) 6247 6083 e director.opw@catholic.org.au