A Paradox of Affirmation- Joining RCWP

I have been letting people know that I am moving to Lexington KY and while there I will participate in the RCWP preparation for ordination program.

I never received affirmation of who I am in my family of origin nor in my marriage to Dow. I think these letters are a paradox of affirmation. By joining RCWP to be ordained I have "left" the cultural and religious paradigm in which I lived. I am now outside of Catholic culture and the role of women-subservient to men. My Jungian analyst said, "You are on the path of individuation" meaning I am discovering who I am and it not is what the dominant paradigms present or require to be "normal" nor will I "fit in."

So for the very first time in my life this week I received two letters of affirmation and I want to share them with you. Each brought tears to my eyes.

First letter is from David Corcoran who is a very special friend. I met David as my CPE mentor (learning to be a chaplain) at LUMC in 2000. David has been in prison for two 6 month terms because he crossed the line at Ft. Benning GA. He is now a reservist Christian Peacemaker Team member. They go to the war zones of the Middle East to be a witness and workers for peace. David wrote:

I am glad the "Spirit has been moving you all over this land" I remember the days you told us about when you pastored in Virginia and your eyes lighted up, like this is what gave you life and meaning. Your life has always lighted up when you went out to minister to others, like when you came to visit me in prison and stayed months on end at your critically ill son's bedside. Your CPE ministry and hospice service have also taught you wisdom and compassion. So now when you go to Lexington to be mentored, know that we hold you in prayer and God will hold you in Her/His heart where you will be immersed in love. Learn from those you serve!

Best wishes, Dave.
March 13, 2009

When I lived in Virginia from 1979 to 1996 I was very active in my parish and the Roman Catholic Community. I became friends with Bishop Walter Sullivan and I have stayed in contact with him since coming to Chicago. Prior to my leaving the New River Valley, I was the Pastoral Coordinator for a newly forming parish in Christiansburg. Bishop Sullivan is one of the great Peace Bishops coming after Vatican II. He has always been very supportive of women but with the doctrines of the church changing I never thought he would voice support for me. His letter of March 17, 2009:

I was glad to hear from you and I see that you will soon be moving on to Lexington, KY. I wish you all success as you participate in the RCWP program. I remember Roy Bourgeois from many years ago when he was in the Richmond City Jail.

Blessings as you continue your spiritual journey, I am
Yours sincerely,
+Walter

Both of these good priests affirm who I have been and who I am becoming. May I truly learn from those I serve to be the "Servant of the servants of God" I know I must learn much about myself before ordination. I am undergoing evaluative tests this week to measure my psychological health. Keep my journey in your prayers.