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Oshkosh faith column by Judy Russell talks about the ordination of women to the priesthood

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Judy Russell shares the latest faith news from the Oshkosh area.

Judy Russell
| For Oshkosh Northwest

A recent Pew Research poll of American Catholics found that 64% of respondents support the ordination of women to the priesthood.

According to information from the Women’s Ordination Conference, this is “a voice for the equality of women in the Roman Catholic Church.”

“Although 64% still seems far too low, the tide is turning. Support for the ordination of women is increasing,” the WOC said.

“Catholics know the truth behind the rhetoric of a ‘vocations crisis’ being expressed on Vocations Sunday (April 21 this year). Women are ready, prepared, and called to the priesthood. Women do priestly work. And we need women priests,” the organization proclaimed. “We encourage you to join us in calling the Church to embrace the beautiful reality that God calls people of all genders to the priesthood.”

As part of Vocations Sunday, WOC has scheduled witness presentations at various church locations across the United States and is offering virtual coverage of them. The theme for these events is ‘Same Baptism. The same spirit. The same calling.” It is also the song of their work, written and performed by Jessica Gerhardt.

In defining the theme for Vocations Sunday, the organization wrote the following:

The same baptism: We believe in one baptism in Jesus Christ, in which all believers are baptized as priests, prophets and royalty.

The Same Spirit: The Holy Spirit gives Her grace freely, abundantly, and fully to all people.

The Same Calling: Through our common baptism and through the power of the Holy Spirit, all people have the ability to be authentically called to ordained ministry.

The WOC even quotes from the interim document of the ongoing institutional church synod on synodality, which will meet again in Rome in October. Section 9b of the interim document states: “In Christ, women and men are clothed with the same baptismal worthiness and receive equally the variety of gifts of the Spirit. We are called together to a community of loving, non-competitive relationships in Christ, and to a co-responsibility that must be expressed at every level of the life of the Church.”

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  • This is April 21, the third Sunday of the month, and the Sunday when Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church of Oshkosh introduces its 12:34 concert series. This free event, open to the public, features Wisconsin musical acts on the third Sunday of the month, now through November 17. It includes an hour-long concert at the Shrine, 1174 Algoma Blvd. In addition to the concert, attendees are welcome for a potluck lunch at 11:30 a.m. prior to the concert in the church’s Paine Hall. This concert includes Old Oaks, featuring the acoustic music of singer/songwriter Frank Laufenberg and saxophonist Daniel Haschke. The music ranges from 12-string renditions of classic tunes “Purple Haze” and “Heart of Gold” to original folk-jazz numbers. Laufenberg is a soil scientist who studied environmental science and environmental sociology at UW-Madison. So in honor of Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 26), the theme of this first concert will focus on environmental sustainability and climate justice.
  • A Catholic/Christian Evening will be held at Xavier Fine Arts Theater, 1600 Prospect Ave., Appleton, on April 22 at 7 p.m. “God’s Healing through Music, Story and Art” is the theme of the presentation, featuring Brian Keliher, Ars Deo, “Arts for God;” Bob Kroll, author of ‘The Father Wound’, and Luke Spehar, Christian acoustic singer/songwriter. No tickets are required for this event, but voluntary contributions are welcome. For more information, call 920-450-3025 or email [email protected].
  • A Day of Action on Solitary Confinement will take place on April 23 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the State Capitol, 2 E. Main St., Madison. The event will feature testimonials from survivors of solitary confinement and a presentation on national best practices by leaders of the Unlock the Box campaign. The event is sponsored by WISDOM, the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, and WISDOM’s Unlock the Box campaign. Following the presentations, WISDOM members will meet with state lawmakers in the North Hearing Room on the second floor of the Capitol. WISDOM is campaigning to end solitary confinement, advance racial justice, lock down Wisconsin, and “refocus resources to build safer, stronger, and healthier communities.” Register in advance for this event via https://bit.ly/solitaryconfinementdayofaction. Email questions to [email protected].
  • The First United Methodist Church of Oshkosh will hold its All Church Rummage Sale April 26-27. Opening hours are April 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and April 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Some of the treasures you can find include clothing, household decor, furniture, lamps, housewares, toys, sporting goods, puzzles, games, office supplies, craft supplies, purses, shoes, jewelry and books. Proceeds go to the church’s missions. The church is located at 700 W. Linwood Ave.
  • Trinity Lutheran Church, 370 Bowen St., Oshkosh, welcomes guest Kenneth Hill, MCM, for an organ concert recital with hymn singing at 6 p.m. April 27. Everyone is welcome to this free event, where a free donation will be made. Hill is an organist and composer with more than 50 years of experience. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois. He continued his studies and earned a master’s degree in church music with an emphasis in organ performance from Concordia University, Mequon. He has published several compositions for organ and choir with Concordia Publishing House.
  • The next free community breakfast, in Magnolia Hall at First Presbyterian Church, 110 Church Ave., Oshkosh, will be April 27 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Enjoy a hearty, home-cooked breakfast, a place to relax and a place to meet old friends and new. Families are welcome.
  • The reunited Oshkosh Choraliers will sing prelude music beginning at 8 a.m. April 28 at St. Mary Church, 210 Pleasant Drive, Winneconne, prior to the 8:30 a.m. Mass. For more than 50 years, the Choraliers have shared their gift of song. They give concerts in Oshkosh at various churches and residential care centers.

Thought of the day: Same baptism. The same spirit. Same calling. Pray for the ordination of women.

Judy Russell of Oshkosh writes about happenings at local worship centers. If you would like to submit news to her for consideration, please send an email to [email protected] with the subject “Church News.” Deadline is Monday 5:00 PM.

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