Update from WOC

Update from WOC  Greetings!  The world has changed since we last emailed you. I am writing this from my apartment in Rome, Italy, where I have been on severe "lockdown" for ten days. The "numbers" in Italy keep growing -- more confirmed cases, more deaths. These are not numbers but loving people, families, those we know.  Here, we are not permitted to leave our apartments except for emergencies, like going to the doctor or pharmacy, or quickly getting groceries. I am struggling -- emotionally and physically. I am grieving, and lamenting, and calling out for community -- as I am sure you are, too. You've probably heard about the "balcony flashmobs" in Italy -- they are amazingly life-giving, but as the days go on, the ritual is quieter... now we mostly just wave or nod to our neighbors.  Yesterday, some members of the Young Feminist Network gathered online to check-in with one another, to share our fears, our rage, our losses, our prayers, our gratitude. We reflected on the increasing need for spiritual leadership, for preachers, for trauma experts, and pastoral care. We explored how we as baptized people are called in this time: What does prayer look like? How can we spread calm? Claire Hitchins of Call to Action sang so movingly: We are whole, we are holy, we are holding one another.  Please know, this community is holding you too.  As you can imagine, we are postponing the launch of the Catholic Women Strikecampaign until a later date. Not only are gatherings of groups of people not permitted, but many Masses are suspended, and churches are closed for safety. In the meantime, we will be scheduling online training seminars and gatherings for local groups to connect with one another, and plan for a future action.  Despite this delay, and the lack of leadership some of us are experiencing in the Church or our countries -- church is still happening. We are experiencing an urgent time for emerging models, skilled leadership, and deep pastoral care. Our interconnectedness, even as we self-isolate and retreat into our homes, is pulsing, tender, and calling out to be nourished.  Even as everything feels uncertain and uprooted, we have the experience of building and being church beyond institutional structures, of being priestly people, of praying for big things in challenging times. And while we at WOC will be shifting our programs and initiatives for the next several months, our mission of empowering women as leaders and priests to share their gifts has not changed.  There are many resources to be shared as we navigate online community-building and streaming services. Women's Ordination Worldwide is curating a list of inclusive, non-binary or women-led Catholic liturgies and resources for times of isolation. Please email me if your community would like to be added or if you know of a listing that should be added.  You can also join us for the World Day of Prayer for Women's Ordination on March 25th at 1 p.m. eastern via phone or video. Email Katie for call-in details.  We are isolated but not alone. May we be community to one another in renewed, creative ways as we navigate this new world together. For equality, Kate McElwee Executive Director Thoughts of Fall: Apply now to join the WOC Board of Directors  WOC is currently looking for people who are willing to serve on our Board of Directors. Nominees should be passionate about women's priestly equality and building a church where all are welcome to share their gifts and participate fully in ministry regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation.  We welcome people of all abilities, socio-economic backgrounds, and migration statuses. People of color, young adults, LGBTQIA people, and people in underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Find out more information here.