Mary of Magdala
Apostle to the Apostles
Women Led Prayer
July 21st, 2007
Sponsored by
Justice for Women in the
Catholic Church
Catholic Action Network
“Woman,” he said, “why are you weeping? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”
John 20: 15-16
Opening Song: We are called David Haas
Readings and Response:
Response: Women of Ancient days, let us learn from your story of courageous resistance to death dealing injustice. Teach us wisdom, compassion and fidelity to the sacredness of life: women and men made in God’s image.
Reading 2: Romans 16:1-16
Response: Pheobe, woman deacon in the early Church, Junia, woman apostle in the early church let our 21st century Church grow in valuing partnership ministry. All holy women and men of the early Church, we long to follow your example of loving and generous service as equals in service to God’s people.
Response: Mary of Magdala, woman whom Jesus loved much, woman entrusted with the Gospel, you were chosen as first witness to the Resurrection, Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit upon you and the other women and men disciples. Guide us in our pursuit of truth, service and equality in Christ, the Risen One.
Litany of Woman’s Power and Sharing:
Spirit of Life, we remember today the women, known and unknown who throughout time have used the power and gifts you gave them to change the world. We call upon these foremothers to help us discover within ourselves your power and the ways used to bring about the city of justice and peace.
We remember Sarah, who with Abraham answered God’s call to forsake her homeland and put their faith in a covenant with God.
We remember Esther and Deborah, who by individual acts of courage saved their nation.
We pray for their power of courage to act for the greater good.
We remember Mary Magdelene and the other women who followed Jesus, who were not believed when they announced the resurrection.
We pray for their power of belief in the face of skeptcism.
We remember Pheobe, Priscilla, and all the women leaders of the early church.
We pray for their power to spread the gospel and inspire congregations.
We remember abbesses of the Middle Ages who kept faith and knowledge alive. We pray for their power of leadership.
We remember Teresa of Avila and Catherine of Siena, who challenged the corruption of the church during the Renaissance.
We pray for their powers of intelligence and outspokenness.
We remember our own mothers and grandmothers, whose lives shaped ours, and the special power they attempted to pass on to us.
We pray for the special power they attempted to pass on to us.
We pray for Ree and Elsie as they prepare for their ordination into the Roman Catholic Deaconate and Priesthood and for all women deacons, priests and bishops who with their courage and vision seek to create a mutual community within the church.
We pray for their power of perseverance.
We pray for the women who are victims of violence in their homes.
May they be granted the power to overcome fear and seek solutions.
We pray for those women who face a life of poverty and malnutrition.
May they be granted the power of hopefulness to work together for a better life.
We pray for the women today who are “firsts” in their fields.
May they be granted the power to preserve and open up new possibilities for all women.
We pray for our daughters and granddaughters.
May they be granted the power to seek that life which is uniquely theirs.
We have celebrated the power of many women past and present. It is now time to celebrate ourselves.
Sharing and celebrating the powers and seed of justice within each of us.
Within each of us is the same life and light and love. Within each of us lie the seeds of power and glory. Our hearts can heal, our minds can seek faith and truth and justice. Spirit of God, be with us is our quest.
Litany adapted from Teresa Berger’s Dissident Daughters: Feminist Liturgies in Global Context
Ritual of being called by name: One at a time, say your name. The name that, when it is said by someone you care for, makes you happy. The community will lay hands on you and say, “(your name) “You are called by name, go forth and proclaim, ‘I have seen the Lord!’”
This Liturgy comes from the Women and the Word campaign through FutureChurch