Media Coverage
Reviews of New Book:
Creating An Inclusive Catholic Community
Richard S. Vosko PhD
Bridget Mary Meehan’s brief work, Creating an Inclusive Community: Liturgies, Homilies and Resources is a spirited volume that focuses on how women can continue to transform power. Meehan issues a challenge to reshape hierarchical faith communities into more egalitarian ones. She calls on women to be prime movers in communities rooted in hospitality, service, prayer and discipleship. Meehan mixes contemporary theological discourse with practical examples. This book is for anyone looking to join or start up a faith community of women and men committed to the inclusive teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
This book covers most of the key liturgical celebrations in the Catholic tradition from a feminist perspective.
by Gerald Grudzen PhD
Small faith communities within the Catholic tradition are continuing to grow in many areas of the world where traditional parish structures are often in decline or closing because of low attendance, financial distress and changing cultural patterns. Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan’s new book, Creating an Inclusive Catholic Community, offers a clear guide for describing and fostering such intentional Catholic base communities.
These communities are often ‘without walls' and use the latest technology such as Zoom to connect members in various locations. Their liturgies are inclusive of women and marginalized voices and led by women and men. This book covers most of the key liturgical celebrations in the Catholic tradition from a feminist perspective. Doctor Meehan stresses that intentional spiritual communities do not depend on physical location or a hierarchical structure. The type of communities reflected in this book encourage and incorporate the gifts and experiences of diverse community members and foster a discipleship of equality and inclusivity. The premise of such intentional communities is that everyone’s gifts need acknowledgement and encouragement in an informal setting such as takes place in a familial context. Personal spiritual journeys are honored in the small community and expressed without fear of exclusion. Her book includes liturgies, homilies and scriptural resources for creating new forms of Catholic community that feature shared leadership of women and men. Graduate level training for such shared pastoral leadership is now available through Global Ministries University.
Inspiring and practical guide for building Catholic faith communities
by Dr. Mary Theresa Streck
Creating an Inclusive Catholic Community by Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan is an inspiring and practical guide for building faith communities rooted in Gospel equality, radical hospitality, and shared leadership. Filled with liturgies, homilies, prayers, and real-life experience, this book shows that it only takes “two or three gathered” to create a welcoming community where everyone belongs. A hopeful vision for the future of the Church and a valuable resource for anyone seeking a more inclusive expression of Catholic faith. Highly recommended.
Church As A Community of Equals- a new book from Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan
by Dr. Judith A. Lee
This is an excellent compilation of liturgies, homilies, ponderings and wise thoughts by Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP bishop. There is both depth and width to this seminal work by the author of over 22 books. Whether you want seasonal liturgies or the lives of saints this is the book for you. I particularly enjoyed her discussion on the life of St. Teresa of Avila annd other women saints and her emphasis on developing a church without walls for all people.