Vatican authority is being challenged as Roman Catholic women act upon their vocations to the priesthood, receive ordination, and openly serve their faith communities. Since 2002--when seven women were ordained by male Roman Catholic bishops--190 women have been ordained to the priesthood, including a dozen women bishops. Vatican officials dismiss…

Though the Catholic Church explicitly teaches that women cannot receive priestly ordination, opposition from within and outside the Church continues. The magisterium relies heavily upon the argument from Tradition, claiming that the action and teaching of Christ and his successors verify that he did not bestow upon the Church the power to ordain…

This article responds to the two articles by Sister Catherine Droste and Roy Bourgeois ("ISCE" Vol 7. No. 1 2015) by putting the issue of the Ordination of Women into a wider ecclesial context. Building on Pope Francis's bringing Liberation Theology into central focus, seeking justice for the poorest and vulnerable people, the article…

The institution of the seminary was established by the sixteenth century Council of Trent. Seminaries were charged with the formation of men for the priesthood. The character of seminary education was largely unchanged until the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). This article observes and comments upon the changes and developments over the past…

The traditional parish plant--church, rectory, convent, and school--all conveniently located next to each other on a parcel of land, is a fast vanishing model. While some argue that the parish-sponsored elementary school is a vestige of immigrant Catholicism, this article calls for a strengthening of the relationship between the pastor and the…

In an effort to encourage dialogue and reflection on matters of common concern and interest, the journal staff invite responses on selected articles from other educators, who engage the text critically and offer some reflections about its utility and validity. This article offers responses from Michael Fierro and Diana Hankins on the article…

The Catholic Church has a responsibility to create an environment in which the practice of the faith makes sense to Hispanics, and enables their religious vitality to express itself within the Church of the United States. Over the next one hundred years the Catholic population of the United States will be predominantly Hispanic. The Church and its…

Contains the personal experiences of three former NCEA presidents: Msgr. John F. Meyer, Sister Catherine McNamee, and Leonard DeFoire. Each addresses which tactics he/she used in order to contribute effectively to NCEA. Discusses the challenges of being an effective leader and how the NCEA aids leaders in different ways. (MZ)

The author's examination of Indigenous Theology and the indigenous pastoral is based on several periods of research over the past ten years in both rural and urban areas of Oaxaca state in Mexico, including participant-observation in several different kinds of church-directed settings and activities, and extensive interviews with clergy and…

Contends that Christ's mission to proclaim God's good news of salvation is reaffirmed in the upcoming millennium. States Catholics must help accomplish Christ's mission by answering the baptismal call to missionary work in the community. Lists local and national agencies, dioceses, parishes, and schools that provide mission resources. (11…

Describes the incorporation of family-systems theory into the catechetical process by Blessed Sacrament/St. Charles Borromeo Church. This approach recognizes the role of the family in this area. Faith formation is holistic and simultaneously addresses the main areas of faith development and the context of an individual's life. Thus, family…

Recounts the discussions at the five-day Bishop's Institute for Social Communication in September 1999 held in Bangkok, Thailand to study and reflect on the impact of new communication technologies for "Being Church" in the 21st century. Describes the passion with which the local Church in Asia embraces of the countless possibilities…

Reviews studies of the characteristics of Catholic high school teachers; differences between religious' and layteachers' perceptions of the role of Catholic school teachers; and instructors' concerns with the purpose and staffing of Catholic high schools. Discusses the schools' dual purposes of academic development and faith formation. (DMM)

Offers advice from a priest and educator on ministering to the Catholic community, including: (1) collaborating and sharing responsibilities; (2) scheduling regular staff meetings that include an agenda, prayer, and minutes; (3) being hospitable; (4) communicating with and listening to church members; (4) taking advantage of archdiocese resources;…

Discusses the problems experienced at home by many children around the world. Shares the guidance of bishops as found in "Putting Children and Family First," a document prepared by committees of the United States Catholic Conference, and offers parents, educators, and catechists practical suggestions for implementing this strategy and improving…