Where is a woman's place in

To prepare for the forthcoming Vatican synod on the Religious, delegates of the Bishops Conference and of the National Board of Catholic Women met this month to discuss women's roles in the Church. Suzanne Greaves reports.
THEY MAY NOT CELEBRATE Mass or take ecclesiastical boardroom decisions about their own lives, but the movement of woman power in the Church has taken on an unstoppable momentum. For once, it is a tide that is blessed by the bishops.
When Cardinal Hume recently reinforced the Pope's stand on women priests he added his own hope that the role of women in the Church should be developed and expanded. In fact this is a process already on track, and given a new impetus when, despite the rail strike, women delegates from Dioceses in England and Wales met to hear the concerns and wishes of their fellow female parishioners.
They left Ushaw Seminary a fortnight ago btaimg with enthusiasm, each person knowing that responsibility for women's participation at grass roots level and beyond lies firmly with the women in the pew.
The two-day meeting of the National Board of Catholic Women and Bishops' Conference delegates was a joint dialogue that had really got off the ground a year ago, when the questionnaire larking Together was circulated in parishes. The power of the priest in encouraging or discouraging female participation was high on the women's agenda; as was inclusive language women, it seems, feel isolated when inclusive language is ignored in favour of the masculine approach. But a glance at hymn books and ecclesiastical documents alone show the uphill struggle to change this.
What emerged was a picture of mothers and careerists already playing key roles in chairing parish and deanery committees.
For the impatient feminist this may seem small beer but this quiet start has been the stuff of other revolutions.
From the role of flower arranger to committee chairperson is an enormous stride with no going back to just making after Mass coffee.
For the mother living in a rural Welsh parish or on an inner-city estate completing the Working Together leaflet may have seemed inconsequential, just another piece of paper to join in all the other forms that come her way.
And thinking of a questionnaire as the key to major reforms may seem almost laughable. In fact she has probably contributed to a little piece of Church history.
Since any reforms can take some time to come about we invited Catholic women representing different age decades to have two wishes about how they would like women to develop and be recognised in the Church.
lanthe Pratt (60s), author, coordinator of the Christian Women's Resource Centre and member of the Catholic Wbinen's Network: "I wish the Church authorities would really take seriously the implications of Genesis that women as well as men are fully made in the image of God.
I wish that as part of this the language of the Liturgy and that used in Church documents should be seen openly to include women instead of making them invisible by referring to them as men, sons and brothers.
I'm still a Catholic because I share the Second Vatican Council's view of the Church as the People of God. Central to this is the meeting with Christ in the Eucharist."
Rowanne Pasco (50s), religious broad,caster and writer, currently working on a lay person's guide to the M..; Catechion: "I wish that some clergy would cease to be so fearful of women and take them more seriously. Some priests are so anxious not to be thought over friendly to women that they simply break off all communication.
I wish that women could be more visible in the parish. For example, a. team of women could be formed in each parish who greet people as they come and leave services; who give the presbytery a feminine touch with flowers and a comfortable atmosphere; who host open times in the presbytery or parish centre where people can drop in for a coffee and chat.
Their warmth could make people feel the parish is a centre and not just a church where you turn up for Sunday Mass. I'm still a Catholic because having been exposed to a huge range of religious traditions I have not found another one so rich.
The Catholic Church has the highest understanding of Christ's teaching and there are clearly defined goals. I admire the Pope for his work with non-Christian religions and his efforts in breaking down Communism."
Angela Perkins (40s), development worker for the National Board of Catholic Women, mother of three children living in Yarm, Cleveland: "I wish the essence of the ordained priesthood could be clearly identified so that all other roles and functions within the Church would be open to women and men in order that they may fully utilise their gifts and talents.
I wish the experience of being a woman in today's world was recognised in theological reflections, and that our understanding and images of God include a recognition of the feminine.
I'm still a Catholic because this is my spiritual home. As much as I cannot leave my name behind it is part of my identity.
We have a huge tradition of women saints. With them I find a shared struggle of fellowship with fellow pilgrims."
Sandra Burling (30s), accountant, married and living in Wimbledon: "I wish that women were accepted as priests. I can't see any reason why not. One reason given is that if Jesus had wanted women priests then He would have chosen male and female
disciples.
That is nonsense and takes no account of the times He was living in. It was simply a practical solution to choose all men.
I wish women could be freed of the religious wrappings that hold them back from being equal members of the Church. Women are equal and the Church needs to acknowledge this and move into the 20th century.
I remember as a child feeling very angry that my brother was a server, could swing the incense round, and I could not. So the conditioning about male and female roles started there."
Nicola Bratby (20s), student from Exeter: "I wish the Church was a friendlier place. That when I visit a new church someone would say hello, or invite me for an after Mass coffee, in . other ords just make me feel I be ong. My Anglican friends who sometimes accompany ie to Mass comment on the after service nothingness. , When I visit their chui±es I cannot help notice the contrast: people talk to t ach other, the vicar waits outjside the church and shakes TOUT hand, there is usually coffee in the parish hall and once there, someone always comes up and welcomes newcomers.
I wish priests would show a positive welcome for wom as well as girls to serv at the altar. Although this is row allowed, I have the feeling it will be a long time coming to some parishes..
Perhaps some clergy are frightened they will lose their authority?
I'm still a Catholic because I like the spirituality, the feeling of knowing where I belong and what the rules are. I may choose to break some of them, but I like to know they are there.
Rachel Branton (15), schoolgirl frorn Brigg, Humberside: "I wish there were women priests. It is not something my friends and I talk about much but none of us see any reason why they are not allowed.
I wish girls and women were altar servers just as boys and men are. By serving I would feel really involved in the service and understanding the ritual, it would certainly make Mass more interesting. I'm a Catholic still and go to Mass with my mother every week.
I used to go to a Catholic primary school but now go to an ordinary school because the Catholic secondary school is a long way away".