Midwest Region
Roman Catholic Womenpriests
About RCWP Midwest
Roman Catholic Womenpriests (RCWP) is an International Movement within the Roman Catholic Church.
Womenpriests (and some men) are at the forefront of a model of service that offers a renewed priestly ministry in vibrant grassroots communities. Roman Catholic Womenpriests-USA is divided into geographical regions.
We are the Midwest Region which includes Indiana, Iowa, Michigan Upper Peninsula, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Our Mission
The mission of Roman Catholic Womenpriests is to prepare, ordain in Apostolic Succession, and support women (and men) who are called by the Holy Spirit and their communities to a renewed priestly ministry rooted in justice and faithfulness to the Gospel.
This international movement is operating worldwide with two groups formed in the USA referred to as Roman Catholic Women Priests-USA (RCWP-USA) and the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (ARCWP). Both of these organizations have international members. These women priests are ministering in over 34 USA states and are also present in Canada, Europe, South and Central America, South Africa, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
How We Differ
Celibacy
As history shows, it wasn’t until the medieval period that the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church began to require priestly celibacy. In the 11th century, Pope Gregory VII issued a decree requiring all priests to be celibate and he expected his bishops to enforce it. This was to stop having to give inheritances to clergy and their family. This is a well-kept secret and has been hidden from most Catholics. Instead, celibacy has been given a spiritual guise, with the idea that men commit themselves to God alone. Jesus taught us all about relationship. Human beings do not do well in isolation. Thus, RCWP does not enforce or require celibacy of priests.
Open Table
Jesus invited all to the table. This was without exception. Unfortunately, the traditional Catholic church has made exceptions. No one who is divorced may receive eucharist. RCWP welcomes anyone to receive eucharist. This includes the divorced, LGBTQA+ persons, and anyone who is a spiritual seeker. We do not question anyone who comes to the table, following Jesus’ example of inclusion.
Service
RCWP believes that our primary mission is to serve others.
We are involved in a variety of ministries that help to create unity in our world. As Jesus empowered all to “go forth to love and serve the world” we too, find that service is our call. Those who are marginalized such as women, the poor, the outcast (e.g. individuals who are incarcerated) and the lonely are our primary cause.
Contact RCWP Midwest
We are happy to answer your questions, so please don’t hesitate to contact us.