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To: bboop; vladimir998; RobbyS; vox_freedom; Antoninus; wombtotomb; the invisib1e hand; Petrosius

Among the 55 propositions presented to Benedict XVI at the conclusion of the synod of bishops on the Word of God, is the suggestion to open the formal ministry of lector to women.

The proposition is No. 17 on the list and it makes reference to indications from Pope Paul VI after the Second Vatican Council regarding “instituted,” not “ordained” ministries.

A translation of the proposition reads: “The synod fathers recognize and encourage the service of laypeople in the transmission of the faith. Women, in particular, have in this regard an indispensable role, above all in the family and in catechesis. In fact, women know how to stir up the listening to the Word and the personal relationship with God, and to communicate the meaning of forgiveness and the Gospel capacity to share.

“It is suggested that the ministry of lector be opened also to women, so that in the Christian communities, their role as announcers of the Word is recognized.”

The proposition was approved, meaning at least two-thirds of the assembly voted in favor of it.

Canon 230 of the Code of Canon Law states that only qualified men may be “installed on a stable basis in the ministries of lector and acolyte.” The canon adds that “laypersons can fulfill the function of lector during liturgical actions by temporary deputation,” which is why women currently read at Masses all over the world.

The ministries of acolyte and lector are not ordained ministries, unlike the deaconate, the priesthood and the episcopacy.

http://catholiccitizens.org/platform/platformview.asp?c=48541


89 posted on 12/18/2008 6:42:11 AM PST by PasorBob
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To: PasorBob
And what does this "lector" issue have to do with your prediction that women will be ordained as Roman Catholic priestesses w/in twenty years?

That is a delusion, aka prediction, that will not occur. If you desire that to happen, there are numerous Protestant churches that will welcome your participation.

94 posted on 12/18/2008 6:55:48 AM PST by vox_freedom (G K Chesterton: "If there were no God, there would be no atheists.")
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To: PasorBob

I think you are over estimating the worth of the proposition you posted about. Here is the actual text:

Proposition 17: Ministry of the Word and women

The synod fathers recognize and encourage the service of the laity in the transmission of the faith. Women, in particular, have an indispensable role on this point, above all in the family and in catechesis. In fact, they know how to arouse hearing of the Word and the personal relationship with God, and how to communicate the meaning of forgiveness and evangelical sharing.
It’s hoped that ministry of lector can be opened also to women, so that their role as announcers of the Word may be recognized in the Christian community.

Lector is FAR, FAR FROM THE SAME ROLE as ordained priests - which women can never be since there is no power on earth with authority to ordain women. Period. Case closed. Ain’t gonna happen.


97 posted on 12/18/2008 7:29:51 AM PST by vladimir998 (Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. St. Jerome)
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