11th Sunday of Ordinary time
Mass time 10:00 AM PST
Women of Spirit Female Leadership of Jewish and Christian Tradition - essays Women theologians, writing in their own fields, discuss women as charismatic leaders, dissenters, martyrs, and reformers within the structure of centralized church authority and examine theological images of femininity
Mary the Feminine Face of the Church - all about Mother Mary, author researched other traditions and possible documents
Disputed Questions - 4 Questions facing the Roman church
Womanguides Readings Toward a Feminist Theology - Rosemary Ruther our next book
A fascinating collection of ancient and contemporary readings from the cultural matrix that has shaped Western Christianity, Womanguides is a resource for understanding ideas about gender in Christian tradition and for building alternative patterns that can transform and heal.
Catholic does not = Vatican - about progressive churches of the 60s and VaticanII
It critiques the Vatican's hierarchy while heralding a progressive movement that envisions a more inclusive and democratic faith
The Church Against Itself - historical existence for the eschatological, end of times
New Women New Earth - Published in 1975, the text examines the deeply intertwined histories of female subjugation and environmental degradation, arguing that both stem from the same patriarchal and capitalist structures
Feminist Theologies - Traces the evolving feminist scene in theology over the years and highlights specific contributions that have been and are being made. Although prominently Christian, this book also includes feminist initiatives from Judaism, Islam and Buddhism. It also offers a history, an analysis, and thoughtful proposals for the future
Visionary Women by Rosemary Rutherford - gazes into the souls of three medieval mystics. Hildegard of Bingen, a self-taught theologian who developed a mystical secret language used in her community of mystics, became a traveling preacher and author. At the age of forty. Mechthild of Magdeburg was commanded by God to write down her visions, which resulted in seven books. Julian of Norwich prayed as a young child that she would see Christ's passion, that she would become deathly ill, and that she would long for God-all in her desire to focus her life solely on the divine-and God answered all three prayers
Women Church by Rosemary Rutherford - not easily available in US
Divine Feminine by Dr. Virginia Mollenkott Midwife - God in feminine terms in the Bible
Wisdom Pattern by Rohr - Order, Disorder, Reorder
The Women of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream - Women of the Bible and their “story”, the author was supported by Fox channels before this admin but at a time when the far right wanted to have women be happy in their station. It tends to share the women’s stories in terms of staying within the role women should be.
Book Club
4:30 – 6:00pm Fridays
Women of Spirit Female Leadership of Jewish and Christian Tradition - essays Women theologians, writing in their own fields, discuss women as charismatic leaders, dissenters, martyrs, and reformers within the structure of centralized church authority and examine theological images of femininity
Mary the Feminine Face of the Church - all about Mother Mary, author researched other traditions and possible documents
Disputed Questions - 4 Questions facing the Roman church
Womanguides Readings Toward a Feminist Theology -
A fascinating collection of ancient and contemporary readings from the cultural matrix that has shaped Western Christianity, Womanguides is a resource for understanding ideas about gender in Christian tradition and for building alternative patterns that can transform and heal.
Catholic does not = Vatican - about progressive churches of the 60s and VaticanII
It critiques the Vatican's hierarchy while heralding a progressive movement that envisions a more inclusive and democratic faith
The Church Against Itself - historical existence for the eschatological, end of times
New Women New Earth - Published in 1975, the text examines the deeply intertwined histories of female subjugation and environmental degradation, arguing that both stem from the same patriarchal and capitalist structures
Feminist Theologies - Traces the evolving feminist scene in theology over the years and highlights specific contributions that have been and are being made. Although prominently Christian, this book also includes feminist initiatives from Judaism, Islam and Buddhism. It also offers a history, an analysis, and thoughtful proposals for the future
Visionary Women by Rosemary Rutherford - gazes into the souls of three medieval mystics. Hildegard of Bingen, a self-taught theologian who developed a mystical secret language used in her community of mystics, became a traveling preacher and author. At the age of forty. Mechthild of Magdeburg was commanded by God to write down her visions, which resulted in seven books. Julian of Norwich prayed as a young child that she would see Christ's passion, that she would become deathly ill, and that she would long for God-all in her desire to focus her life solely on the divine-and God answered all three prayers
Women Church by Rosemary Rutherford - not easily available in US
Divine Feminine by Dr. Virginia Mollenkott Midwife - God in feminine terms in the Bible
Wisdom Pattern by Rohr - Order, Disorder, Reorder
The Women of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream - Women of the Bible and their “story”, the author was supported by Fox channels before this admin but at a time when the far right wanted to have women be happy in their station. It tends to share the women’s stories in terms of staying within the role women should be.
Book Club
4:30 – 6:00pm Fridays
We are taking a break until after Easter
Book Club The Tears of Things
4:30 – 6:00pm Fridays
Setting up a virtual women’s religious order is possible today because many spiritual communities meet and organize online. The key for us is to treat it like both a spiritual community and an organization. Here’s a step-by-step outline we can use to start with.
This is a living document which will change over time and growth so feel free to comment.
How to Set Up a Virtual Women’s Religious Order
1. Define the Purpose and Spiritual Path
Start with the foundation:
What spiritual tradition or values will guide the order?
Interfaith
Mystical / contemplative
Social justice focused
Decide your mission statement.
Example:
Mentoring and strengthening women for spiritual and personal growth
2. Create a Rule of Life without adding burdens; we can come to recognize how much women already do.
Most religious orders have a Rule of Life (guidelines for members).
Include:
Daily or weekly spiritual practices (prayer, meditation, rituals)
Community commitments
Ethical principles
Service or outreach
Monthly, or twice a year meetings
optional gatherings
Study and formation
3. Define Membership (these are typical examples, this will be a group decision)
Decide how people join.
Possible structure:
Aspirant (exploring)
Novice (training period)
Professed member
Leadership roles (abbess / coordinator / spiritual guide)
Also decide:
Age requirements
If it is women-only or inclusive of gender minorities
4. Choose Online Platforms
You need a virtual monastery space.
This section I have already established for the early formation of this order. We of St Marguerite already have a google non profit account which includes google classroom which I can and have begun to create a virtual monastery. It is secure and safe. It has a google meet link that we can use and ways to have topic message boards platforms. The best part is it will not cost us anything.
Website explaining the order - I hope we can have each of our “church” websites put a small “ad” on about our order.
Create areas for:
Prayer or meditation sessions
Study groups
Announcements
Private spiritual direction
5. Establish Rituals and Gatherings
A religious order becomes real through shared practice.
Examples:
Weekly virtual prayer or meditation
Monthly ceremony
Online retreats
Seasonal observances
Study circles
Create a digital chapel space
Use shared readings or chants
6. Leadership Structure
Decide how the order is governed.
Common models:
Abbess / Prioress (leader)
Council of elders
Democratic leadership
Rotating leadership roles
And define:
How leaders are chosen
Term limits
Decision-making process
Many virtual orders start informally at first, but these are other future considerations
7. Legal and Organizational Considerations (Optional)
If you want it to grow:
You might:
Register a nonprofit
Create a charter or constitution
Set community guidelines
Protect member safety and privacy
8. Create Identity and Symbolism
This helps members feel connected.
Examples:
Name of the order
Symbol or seal
Digital habit or insignia (optional)
Motto
Spiritual themes (wisdom, compassion, sacred feminine)
Example Concept
A virtual order might look like:
Order of the Sacred Path
Women-led spiritual community
Daily meditation
Weekly online gathering
Mentorship and service projects
Members around the world
✅ The most important things are:
1. Clear spiritual purpose
2. A shared rule of life
3. Consistent gatherings
4. Safe, respectful community