Catholic women's roles and the Second Vatican Council

¶ … Second Vatican Council and the Role of Women

The second Vatican council of the Roman Catholic Church took place from 1962 -1965 and symbolized the church's readiness to make changes in accordance with the state of the modern world. This conference was attended by 2,600 bishops and is considered the most influential religious event of the twentieth century. The council discussed and ratified 16 doctrines including the "Dogmatic Constitution of the Church." This is considered one of the most important of the doctrines in modern Catholicism and "proclaimed the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of the Church." (H. Daniel -- Rops, 1962). It was defined by Pope John II in Apolstotic Letter Muliers Dignitatim, that the church considered motherhood and virginity to be major vocations of woman. Throughout the doctrines, the roles of the woman were clearly defined. In the council's outline it was noted that an alter girl would be permitted to collect offerings, proclaim scripture, except gospel, and lead congregational choirs. A woman may also play approved instruments and be seen as an usher throughout services. In addition to identifying woman's roles in the church, the council began to expand its role in communal affairs.

The council often referred to as Vatican II, called for a spiritual awakening which helped to include the affirmation of fundamental truths found in religions other than Catholicism. It also examined the different faces truth can be demonstrated through, for the common good of all. Diversity in practice and language, in an attempt to reach more people, was implemented and there was great emphasis placed on the duties of the different members of the clergy. This resulted in establishing the hierarchy of the modern church. The different positions and duties of parish officials were elaborated upon within the doctrines of the Vatican II. The council was a culminating event which took the church into the modern secular and religious world.

There are many positions found throughout the church parishes. The duties and responsibilities of each are specifically outlined and described as the following. A theological professor of a seminary is one who has a background in biblical studies, church history and philosophy. Secular universities have a very limited theology department, therefore studies in scripture and biblical authority are often found in seminaries.

The Parish Administrator is responsible for all clerical and bookkeeping work throughout the parish. They prepare appropriate financial statements, reports for the diocese and act as a liaison between the parish and outside groups. The Parish Administrator coordinates the calendar of events and reports and maintains communication for the vestry. This is generally a paid position and most parishes' require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related field. Although this is still a male dominated field, in recent years some women have taken over this role in various parishes throughout the country.

A Parish Council member attends all meeting and trainings as a representative of the parish. They evaluate and recommend prospective programs to implement. They are open to input and become a liaison between to the members of the parish and the head administrator as to the effectiveness, and efficiency of the parish and its services. These positions are often held by women, and there are often separate woman council groups found throughout the church.

A Parish Associate is a minister in a validated ministry other than the local parish but wishes to maintain a relationship with the parish and keeps the ordination to the ministry.

A hospital chaplain is a position that "provides spiritual support in a hospital environment to patients, hospital staff and family members." A chaplain from the Catholic Church can provide communion and counseling concerning, sickness, death, and ethical issues surrounding organ donation. Chaplains may belong to a local clergy or an association of chaplains. As the chaplain gives communion, this is a position that cannot yet be held by a woman in the Catholic Church.

A Eucharistic minister in the Roman Catholic Church must be a priest, therefore it is a position that must be occupied by a male. In other churches, the Eucharistic Minister refers to the person who assists the priest and is licensed to administer both the bread and the wine during communion. Furthermore, they are licensed to administer communion to the homebound, incarcerated or sick and therefore cannot attend Mass.

A Lector is another position within the Catholic Church. Its responsibilities include reading the first and second reading during a Catholic Mass. In order to become a lector, one must be committed to their faith, and go to confession. There are seminars and training classes available in preparation of this position.

A Chancellor of the Diocese in the Roman Catholic Church is a position typically held by a priest in the church. They keep the official records and archives of the diocese. The Chancellor manages the office, notarizes the paperwork but has no authority in the decisions of the church.

RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation in Adults or the process by which an unbaptized adult can become a Catholic. While going through the process, they are paired off with an RCIA sponsor. Sponsors are both male and female and provide the support the person needs. This is done through answering questions, praying together and to be a companion throughout the religious and spiritual journey.

A canon lawyer is another position found in the Catholic Church. Canon law is the legal system of the Church. Eighty percent of canon lawyers are priests and therefore males, however in recent years there have been both religious men and woman studying canon law. It is imperative that a person holds a degree in Theology or a related field. Canon lawyers have two to three years of post graduate studies in canon law to receive a degree. There is one canon school in the United States.

A Pastoral Life Coordinator is the person who is entrusted by the bishop to oversee the whole of the Catholic community in a particular area. They are in charge of developing and maintaining catechetical programs, supervising religious education preparing budgets, developing programs, and provide and support continuing education and professional development.