WOMEN

POST VATICAN II

"The traditional liturgical forms of the Church prohibit women (young

girls, married, religious) from serving* the priest at the altar, even in

women's chapels, houses, convents, schools and institutions. In accordance

with the rules governing this matter, women may (a) Proclaim the scripture

readings, with the exception of the Gospel, (b) Offer the intentions for

the Prayer of the Faithful, (c) Lead the congregation's singing, play the

organ or other approved instruments, (d) Give explanatory comments to help

people understand the services and (e) Fulfill other services, as ushers

and collecting offerings" (LITURGIAE INSTAURATIONED, 9/5/70).

*This refers to acting as an acolyte (altar girl), not to serving

communion to the people.

In spite of these prohibitions, many progressive priests have allowed

women to function as not officially allowed.

From APOSTOLIC LETTER MULIERIS DIGNITATEM, John Paul II, This letter, `On

the Dignity and Vocation of Women' defines motherhood and virginity as the

major vocations of women.

SECULAR JOURNALS

From ORLANDO SENTINEL, 4/3/90. "A panel of U.S. Catholic bishops, in the

final draft of a pastoral letter on women distributed Monday, said that men

unable to deal with women as equals should not be considered fit for the

priesthood. But the committee's proposed declaration reiterated the church

ban on female priests.

"The admission of women in all ministries not requiring ordination was

also endorsed by the committee of six bishops.

"Excluding women as lectors or altar servers seems `to contradict our

mandate that women be more visibly involved in the life of our church,' the

committee said.

"The panel urged that the Vatican soon study whether women deacons may

be ordained and expressed hope that women will not leave Catholicism

because of the church's consistent practice of an all-male priesthood.

"The 99-page document praises `Christian feminists,' women who are

faithful to church teachings yet promote the staus of women as equal with

men."

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