Over the years female teenagers have asked me why and how I can work in a male dominated institution, the Roman Catholic Church. If I were in another Christian religion, I could be ordained and be the Pastor of a congregation. Personally I cannot do that. I am a Catholic because of Eucharist. I love the Eucharist and the challenge to be Christ in the world whenever I receive Eucharist at Mass. I love that Eucharist connects me to everyone in the body of Christ past, present and future. For me I have to be Catholic because I love Eucharist.

 Yet I am a woman in a male dominated institution. I am fortunate to work in the same diocese for over 25 years. I also worked in a diocesan office which afforded me the opportunity to work with many priests in our diocese. That has helped me to establish a reputation and respect. I love my church more now than I did when I took my first paid parish position in 1991.

I set up this website after completing my Master’s in Theology because I think a female lay ecclesial minister has a unique perspective of the Catholic Church. I know that I am called to work with God’s people. My call is not the result of a shortage of priestly vocations. I would have this call regardless of the number of priests in the church – it is my vocation. As a minister I believe it is my duty to be trained, educated and to stay up to date with both theology and my field of ministry. I work in youth ministry and adolescent catechesis – in some ways those are synonyms and in other ways they are not. That would be a whole other topic.

In a male dominated institution it is important that I am educated, trained, etc. Without that I would not be taken seriously in any profession. Speaking of profession I must behave like a professional. First and foremost I do this for the people I serve and the integrity of my ministry. Walking around with a chip on my shoulder because I cannot be ordained would not serve me well. Anger and animosity do not work well with ministry and in the end only hurt the person who holds those emotions for so long. I believe I do the most good by working within my institution. Others would disagree with that and everyone is allowed to have their own opinion.

Second it is important that I respect the priesthood. I am not talking about clericalism (again a whole other topic.) Their role and ministry is unique. They are a brotherhood and they give their lives in a very different way than I do to the Church. I see them all as human beings which is also critically important. Just as I would not expect them to understand the challenge of meeting the needs of my children and ministry, I cannot understand their many challenges. How does one go from celebrating a school Mass with a bunch of kindergarteners through eighth graders to a funeral for someone’s spouse, a teenager or a baby? The emotional roller coaster of their days on a regular basis is a unique experience.

Finally I know that it is imperative that I know when and how to speak. I choose my battles or my issues so to speak. If I speak from a position of knowledge, then I am respected. I think that is true in any situation. To speak or act without doing one’s homework is not as effective. Stephen Covey’s circles of influence and concern are very good to keep in mind. Gandhi’s, “be the change you wish to see in the world” is also an excellent guide. Being Christ in the world (another challenge of Eucharist!) and in my church. That is my calling and it is what I hope I do as a female lay ecclesial minister.