The Great Waters Region is part of Roman Catholic Womenpriests-USA (RCWP).
What do we call you? We can’t call you Father!
No, please don’t! Simply call us by our names.
How can you be Catholic priests? Aren’t only men ordained?
The institutional church does not yet acknowledge that God calls people of all genders to serve as priests. All of us have discerned for many years that we are called by God and by our communities. If following our call requires that we break a man-made law, we freely make that choice.
Didn’t Jesus first ordain the apostles as priests at the Last Supper?
Many of us were taught this, but if you read the story of the Last Supper in the gospels, there is no mention of ordination.
Why not wait until the institutional Church allows women to be ordained?
There is a priest shortage now. The people of God need more priests now. The Spirit is speaking to the womenpriests and to the people of God now.
Are womenpriests excommunicated?
The institutional church says that we have excommunicated ourselves by breaking canon law 1024. We believe we are faithful Catholics called by God and our communities to serve as priests in new, inclusive ways.
Why Did You Break Church Law?
Canon 1024 is an unjust law that discriminates against women simply because they are women. When sustained efforts fail to change an unjust law then, in good conscience, as a last resort the law must be broken.
Are You Starting A New Church?
No. We consider ourselves faithful members of the Catholic Church. We are working toward a renewed priestly ministry in an inclusive, welcoming church.
What is an “inclusive Catholic community”?
All believers are welcome to join us at Eucharist and to receive communion. Because words matter, many of our communities use inclusive words for God’s people and for God.
Can you do weddings? Funerals?
Yes. We are ordained in the Roman Catholic tradition.
Are womenpriests trained at the seminary?
Some of us were. Our priests have at least as much theological and pastoral education as our brother priests — many have more. We have also gone through background checks, psychological screening, and a comprehensive preparation program.
