North and Central American Dominicans Today

After our presentations we answered questions about differences we perceived between the Dominican situtation in North and Central America.  Fr. John spoke about the reality of multicultural parishes and the challenges that presents in worship and in formation of new vocations.  He pointed out that this is a benefit to the Church and a challenge well worth the extra cost.  It is a creative tension that will bear great fruit for the future of the Church.  I spoke about the importance of equality for women for the Church in the United States.  Because of our advanced education in education, theology, sociology, anthropology, psychology and our experiences in leadership in government and business, the lack of openness to leadership positions for women in the central government of the Church is an obstacle to religious vocations among women in North America.  This is a struggle in which we remain humble, patient and gentle...and yet strong.  We will not give up this struggle.  The call to the apostolate, the example of our Blessed Mother, the preaching of St. Mary Magdalen and the Dominican mystics support us in this struggle.  We will persevere... and we will win!  The struggle for equality for women is right and just because our right to equal dignity and authority in the Church is based on the human right to freedom for all people and guaranteed by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He who preached no woman or man, no gentile or Jew, surely supports our cause.  It must happen, and it surely will happen in our lifetime!  Our Church needs the leadership gifts of women to thrive and flourish into the next century.