SLUH Junior Theology Course '07-'08
Faith and Morality...
By Kevin Casey
Catholic Position Paper: Women and the Church
Women's Patron Saints
Women, like men, were created in the image of God and possess an inalienable dignity, reflecting God's wisdom and goodness. Women and men share the same humanity, and women were created to share a loving relationship with man. They are equal persons and serve to complement one another.
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) ~ Refer to Part III
The ordination of women is not possible, for Jesus choose men as his 12 Apostles and they in turn choose men to succeed them. The Church views this as the Lord's choice; therefore only baptized men can become ordained priests.
CCC ~ Refer to Part VI
Women Gospel Singers
"Jesus Christ did not call any women to become part of the Twelve. If he acted in this way, it was not in order to conform to the customs of his time, for his attitude towards women was quite different from that of his millieu, and he deliberately and courageously broke with it." Despite Jesus's love for women, it was not they- even his mother, Mary- who he ordained to carry on his ministry.
"Women who express a desire for the ministerial priesthood are doubtless motivated by the desire to serve Christ and the Church. And it is not surprising that, at a time when they are becoming more aware of the discriminations to which they have been subjected, they should desire the ministerial priesthood itself. But it must not be forgotten that the priesthood does not form part of the rights of the individual, but stems from the economy of the mystery of Christ and the Church. The priestly office cannot become the goal of social advancement: no merely human progress of society or of the individual can of itself give access to it: it is of another order." The Church does not favor men over women, though, for women too have their own role, "a role of capital importance, both for the renewal and humanization of society and for the rediscovery of believers of the true face of the Church."
"Declaration On The Question Of Admission Of Women To The Ministerial Priesthood" by Pope Paul VI
Jesus Appearing to Woman Disciple First after Resurrection
Women- whether married, widowed, mothers, etc.- have the duty of watching over humanity and "(holding) back the hand of man who, in a moment of folly, might attempt to destroy human civilization." Women are educators and caretakers of children, who are the future, and serve as virtuous anchors in a tumultuous society. Overall, women are the means of life, and are the protectors of peace in the world.
Second Vatican Council II Closing Speech, 1965
Refer to "To Women," About 2/3's Down the Page
Women are indispensable to the common good of all community through their concern for the good of others in the world around them. Yet women worldwide are the victims of crimes and injustice, and are often seen as having an inferior status. The Church seeks to stand up for these women and raise awareness in regards to the injustices they experience.
Intervention by the Holy See at the 51st Session of the Commission of the Status of Women of the UN Economic and Social Council
Praying Women Stained Glass
Related Links
The Holy See
Online Papal Encyclicals
Catechism of the Catholic Church
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