SAN DIEGO — What can Scripture teach us about the role of women in the communal life of the Church?
That’s the focus of an upcoming convocation to be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5, at the University of San Diego’s University Ministry Center.
“A Listening Church That Hears the Voices of Women: The Scriptural Foundations for Catholic Social Teaching” will include welcoming remarks from Bishop Michael Pham and presentations by Carmen Chavez, executive director of the Casa Cornelia Law Center; Dr. Margaret McCahill, a retired professor of family medicine and psychiatry; and Dr. Angela Zautcke, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Sacred Scripture at the Franciscan School of Theology.
“This convocation will draw from the lived experience of a variety of disciplines around a table of dialogue, rooting the conversation in Scripture and how women in the history of our Church have assumed critical roles in sharing the Good News,” said Marioly Galván, diocesan chancellor. “Our hope is that, while also conversing about key elements of Catholic Social Teaching, we may feel inspired to live out our faith more fully.”
She said that women have formed “a critical part of our (Church) history” and that contemporary women leaders are “furthering the mission inside and outside of the Church structure.”
“These and many more voices need to be heard,” she said, “so we can grow the tent of our understanding of ‘being with and journeying alongside’ our sisters and brothers.”
The convocation was organized by the Diocesan Women’s Advisory Committee, which was formed in 2023 to explore the role of women in Church leadership today.
Galván said that there has been “overall excitement and interest” in a convocation of this type. She said the event is “a wonderful opportunity for women to gather … and share how we can further the mission of our Church together.”
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
For information, email mgalvan@sdcatholic.org or call (858) 490-8301.
