This April, I celebrated my ninth anniversary of being received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church. Exactly four months after being confirmed, I began working for the Archdiocese of Washington. Prior to my conversion, I would have never expected to be working for the Church or even to be Catholic for that matter. Those who taught my RCIA classes would tell you that I questioned everything and even though I was very active in the parish, was not sure that I would actually "take the leap" until about a month before. However, through the persistent invitations of a friend, patience of priests and leaders who took time to answer my questions and God's grace; the Truth pulled at my heart and I now find myself a very happy Catholic woman.
One of the things that drew me to the Church was the way that women were treated with so much dignity; not as property or something to be used and not second class citizens who were to be seen and not heard but as equals who play a very important but different role in building up the Church. Through a deeper understanding of the dignity of the human person and with the example of the Blessed Mother, I learned what it means to embrace true femininity. I have been blessed to work with and count among my friends, many well-educated Catholic women who love the Lord and serve Him in the distinct way that He has asked.
The popular news sources tell us that the Church has launched a "war on women", my experience and the experience of many other women who know the beauty of the church's teachings will tell you that's not true. Below, you will find links to some great talks explaining the threats against our religious freedom and women debunking the contraception myths. Check them out and share them with your family and friends and look for an opportunity to add to the conversation.
In this month of May, we celebrate Mary, our Mother and all mothers. As we take this time to celebrate the women in our lives, maybe you can look for ways to evangelize the culture and let others know what the Church's respect for women means to you. In Mary's fiat, she accepted her own unique role in our salvation - bringing Christ to the world. How can we honor Mary? By accepting God's will as she did and asking how we can continue to bring Christ to a world that so desperately needs Him!
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38
Religious Freedom - Get Informed!
An Overview and Summary of the HHS Mandate - Helen Alvare (11 minute video)
Women Against the HHS Mandate - Gloria Purvis (7 minute video)
Women Speak For Themselves - Sign the Petition!
Vatican II closing address to Women -aid mankind in not falling (short, 6 paragraph document)
Vatican II closing address to Women -aid mankind in not falling (short, 6 paragraph document)
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