Bridget Meehan was elected president of The Federation of Christian Ministries in 1998. She is the first Roman Catholic nun to lead this new model for partnership in ministry in the church.
Her vision of ministry is bold, daring exciting, passionate and prophetic. "I see my ministry as promoting, advocating and striving joyfully to live the vision of Jesus -the discipleship of equals - in everything I do and say." Meehan recently initiated a Women's Eucharist group that meets monthly and celebrate Jesus' presence in the sacrament of Eucharist. She is also a female presider in a mixed gender "contemporary, floating house church" that does a Eucharistic Liturgy, on Sundays in different members homes.
As a new paradigm for gender equality for women in ministry in the church, Meehan believes that the Federation of Christian Ministries is prophetic because it support, enables, affirms and certifies competent women to minister as equals with men. Responding to the needs of individuals and communities who call forth their gifts, qualified women( as well as men) are certified by FCM to proclaim the Gospel, preside at liturgies, witness marriages, conduct funerals design rituals and provide pastoral and spiritual counseling. Meehan reflects, "We proclaim the inclusivity of God's love for everyone. People from all religions and traditions are welcome in our faith communities. Divorced and remarried, gays and lesbians, the marginalized, rejected, and hurting members of our church and society find a home in our communities across the country."
As a woman in ministry, the Federation has enabled me to minister in a public, visible way to people who called forth my gifts for special times on their spiritual journey. "I have already conducted funerals for people who wanted me because I knew the family, Meehan shared. "I have been the official witness for several weddings of couples who wanted a "Catholic" ceremony, but did want to get married in the institutional church for a number of reasons.
Meehan hopes to attract more women in ministry to FCM. "Gender equality is at the heart of the transformation of patriarchy. It is the vision of Jesus in the Gospels and it is our mission" Meehan said, " I know many women who are ready to do their ministry publically. FCM provides a way they can practice gospel ministry that is recognized in a civil forum. It is a supportive, professional and publically recognized organization that is "good news" for Catholic women ministers in the church. I think it gives the institution a viable model they can adopt in the 21st century." concluded Meehan.
