Women in Minis ry VOICES

Carolyn Y. Woo, (Retired) President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Relief Services

While the dismissal of women is the dominant narrative, I do not hold the view that women’s leadership in the Catholic Church is as rare and out of reach as the perceptions held by many people inside and outside of the Church. In over twenty years of leading two Catholic institutions and serving on boards of about fifteen more, I have interacted with many women who play such roles. These include leaders, founders, and board members in all sectors of Catholic ministries such as K-12 education, higher education, social services, health ministries, pastoral ministries, diocesan administration, clergy formation, communications, and advocacy.

While leadership appointments for women can be significantly expanded, and misogyny still dishonors women and brushes aside their gifts, it is important to acknowledge the inroads that have been made and opportunities that are accessible to women. Perceptions and general criticisms have not kept pace with emerging reality, which points to a notable number of women leading with impact and influence.

Kim Daniels, Co-Director, Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, Georgetown University, Washington, DC

Through all this time, I’ve learned from others’ examples that it’s vital for Catholic women to take on leadership roles in order for our Church to bring an effective witness to our troubled world. Pope Francis offers a model for what such witness looks like: lift up the gospel of Jesus Christ; offer humble service to our neighbors; and bring Catholic social principles to public life with mercy and generosity.

While I’ve had great opportunities, it hasn’t always been easy. Clericalism is real and harmful. Like others, I’ve been dismissed or patronized because of who I am or the views I hold—because I’m a woman, or because I’m a mom of six; because I support Pope Francis, or because of my background doing pro-life and religious liberty work. And seeing the clergy sex-abuse crisis up close has often been discouraging and dispiriting, particularly because it’s clear that had more women been in the rooms where decisions were made, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

But the broken body of Christ is still the body of Christ, the source of our joy and our hope. When I pray the Creed I believe every line is true, and I know that those truths, and the love in which they’re grounded, unite Catholics as a family. I know that around the world the Church still lives out our gospel mission—love of God and neighbor—every single day, celebrating the sacraments and serving the poor and vulnerable. Our Church, as Pope Francis says, is a home with open doors, and I am grateful and humbled to be a part of it.

Jennifer Fiduccia, Director of Leadership Consultants, Catholic Leadership Institute, Philadelphia, PA

The role of leadership as a Christian is to be a servant first. There is no room for ego, personal agenda, exclusion of others, pride, or arrogance. To exercise this role is to lead from wherever I find myself, which means putting myself in the service of others. It means looking at what the needs are and considering how my giftedness and ability intersect with those needs. It often also means putting aside what I want to do in favor of what I am being called to do by God. Being a woman has especially helped me to understand that true leadership does not need a formal title. In the Church, where women are excluded from some of the most prominent leadership roles, I can still live out my baptism in profound ways. I am called to “make holy” the places and spaces in which I find myself, including my family, social circles, workplace, and community. And I can do this by committing to carrying the light of Christ into every situation. I am called to speak on God’s behalf, watching and listening for God in our world and pointing it out to others. I am invited to teach how God is moving and doing something new, and can do this by accompanying others on their faith journeys, helping them discern God’s presence in their own lives, and ensuring that all people have what they need to grow into the person God created them to be.

Kerry Alys Robinson, Executive Partner and Founding Director, Leadership Roundtable, Washington, DC

I firmly believe that women hold the key to positive managerial reform, the restoration of trust in the Church and Church leadership, and that now is precisely the time when the Church most needs women and what women uniquely have to offer.

The best advice I can offer in times of anguish when the institutional Church fails to live up to its potential or manifests ignoble qualities—clericalism, arrogance, fear, secrecy, sanctimony, prejudice, sexism, or mediocrity—comes from my teacher and spiritual director, a beloved Sister of Mercy, Margaret Farley. She said, “Remember what it is you most love about the Church and membership in it. Name what you love. Claim what you love. It will provide ballast to allow you to navigate with fidelity and focus when you are disappointed and discouraged.” I have taken this advice to heart and highly recommend the discipline. ■ photo credit: The GIVEN Institute

For additional information on women's ministry, visit: bc.edu/c21anniversary20