An 80-year-old woman, from Clonakilty in Cork, is asking the “faithful women of Ireland” to boycott Sunday Mass next month “to let the Vatican and the Irish church know that women are tired of being treated as second-class citizens."
Jennifer Sleeman, whose son is a monk, told the Irish Times that she is calling on the women of Ireland to “join your sisters on Sunday, September 26. On that one day boycott Mass. Stay at home and pray for change. We are the majority. We may have been protesting individually but unremarked on, but together we have strength and our absence, the empty pews, will be noticed.
“Whatever change you long for, recognition, ordination, the end of celibacy, which is another means of keeping women out, join with your sisters and let the hierarchy know by your absence that the days of an exclusively male-dominated church are over.”
Of the sexual abuse scandals within the Catholic Church, she said: “I find I belong to an organization that seems caught in a time warp, run by old celibate men divorced from the realities of life, with a lonely priesthood struggling with the burden of celibacy where rules and regulations have more weight than the original message of community and love."
She chose September 26 as the date at it is her 81st birthday. The devoted Catholic says that when she looks at her grandchildren and children she can see no future for the Church as it stands.
She said: “Some of the grandchildren go through the rites of sacraments, but seldom, if ever, visit a church afterwards. Some of my children are actively looking for a meaningful spiritual life, but they do not find it in the Catholic Church…I must except my eldest son who is a monk in Glenstal Abbey, another place that helps me keep some shreds of faith.”
Her son, Father Simon, is supportive of her ideas and the proposed action on the September 26.
Mrs Sleeman has recently being attending the Methodist Church 150 years in Clonakilty. She said that celebrating Mass at the Church is a “joyful and welcoming occasion.” She began experimenting with Churches by attending the Church of Ireland Church. She said “I felt so welcome in the first two and just wondered what I was doing in ‘my own church’.”
She said “I am not a cradle Catholic. I chose to join as an adult helped by meeting a wonderful priest . . . but I now wonder did I do the right thing?...Somehow I have grown up but the church has not."
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.lyndaasato | Sep 07, 2010, 01:36 PM EDT
Fantastic! I will boycott mass on Sunday, Sept. 26, my daughter's birthday. She and my other daughter have been baptized Catholic, but no longer believe in the Church.
jacersisityourself | Aug 18, 2010, 04:09 AM EDT
Thanks for that Carroll09. Truly enlightening. Just for the record, may I say that I don't believe Time and Space exists. Both were invented by mankind to give some order to our existence. Like you say, both were tied into the lunar cycle. These days it has been scientifically discovered that the moon is moving away from earth. Some day it won't be in our skies anymore. God be with all.
Carroll09 | Aug 17, 2010, 06:58 PM EDT
Jacersisityourself - they may not have had their current names in Christ's time, but the Jews had a seven-day week for centuries before Christ. Many calendars which had the 7 day week came as a result of the roughly 28 day lunar cycle- with the 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th days often being days of rest. As you probably know, the cycle of seven days in the Judeo-Christian tradition comes from Genesis, where God rested on the 7th day. You'll know too that in the Catholic Church we sometimes celebrate "octaves" of feasts such as the Octave of Easter or Christmas: the eighth day (or the first of a new cycle) symbolises renewal. We know that Christ was crucified the day before the Sabbath- see Mark 15:42 and Luke 23:54. As St Athanasius explains: "The Sabbath was the end of the first creation, the Lord's day was the beginning of the second, in which he renewed and restored the old in the same way as he prescribed that they should formerly observe the Sabbath as a memorial of the end of the first things, so we honor the Lord's day as being the memorial of the new creation". I hope this answers your question somewhat.
jacersisityourself | Aug 17, 2010, 06:09 PM EDT
marsman - Christ's message was that we should pray in secret and right He was on that - but He did expressly call for communal prayer ("where ever you are gathered together in My Name, I will be there too). Celebration of the Eucharist is the greatest communal prayer of all. Prayer in privacy is carried out all the time but just now and again, it's rewarding to pray in common with your neighbours and friends - at Mass.
jacersisityourself | Aug 17, 2010, 06:02 PM EDT
Carroll09, pardon my ingorance in asking this question: did Friday or Sunday exist before the Ancient Jewish or Roman or Gregorian calendars? Just asking... I agree with you that the Apostles worshipped and celebrated on the 3rd day after Christ's Resurrection and every day afterwards. But what day was it before someone gave days names?
jacersisityourself | Aug 17, 2010, 05:56 PM EDT
Siobhan39 – pardon me chuckling after reading yr post. Yes, I’m an ordinary guy. Yes, I see everything wrong about all kinds of people molesting kids, especially priests, and have written very strongly about that. You missed my little joke in my comment; I was taking the Michael esp re a rush to confession by hordes of women distraught at fear of not getting what they desire in the January sales. Getting to heaven is the desire of most people, which is why most people try to live good lives. If you don’t make a full contrite confession afore ye die, ya won’t get ta heaven. Well, ye will, once, if one believes what many believe - you’ll see God in His glory once and then never again if ya got a stain of sin on yr soul before His Glory. That is what hell is supposed to be like, according to this belief. Not burning eternal fire; no, it will be burning pain, like that of yourself caaight in a fire, of missing the joy that you could’ve had forever. That would hell, according to these beliefs. I again urge all women to boycott Ms. Sleeman’s call.
2BorNot2B | Aug 17, 2010, 05:19 PM EDT
Marsman seems to be a bigot anti-Catholic-baiter who throws out theological bits of his liking on various threads. He seems to favor the ones taken out of context that favor his own religious theories - really, lame attempts at proof texting in one or two lines that would take a couple of pages to reply to - and finding Catholics herein (except for Carroll09) who are either, uninformed, apathetic about their faith, lazy, or lacking in desire to engage a fundy, he believes he can declare theological victory. -- Marsman, dear...you want to engage in an honest debate about apologetics, please start a thread and follow each one of your premises to their conclusion. -- Don't just limit yourself to silly provocation swhich don't amount to theological ChickenS***
WoundedKnee | Aug 17, 2010, 02:51 PM EDT
bern1952: No need to start her own religion. There is already one that suits. It's the Anglican Church of Ireland. Of course their services were empty up to a few years ago, until they got an influx of Nigerian protestants. Now in many areas of Ireland they're no longer a church of Irish people. Funny how all those Irish who claim to be mad about the Catholic Church are not attending those Anglican services. Or maybe they just prefer to stay in bed on a Sunday morning.
WoundedKnee | Aug 17, 2010, 02:48 PM EDT
appalachian: "Why not go back to the HEDGEROW MASS, when we had to endure anti-Catholicism by the Brits"... But now we're getting anti-Catholicism by the Irish.
knowthyself | Aug 17, 2010, 01:30 AM EDT
Well hats off to Granny. its true women are treated as second class citizens.more women should support Jennifer & Boycot .Sunday Mass for a few weeks. maybe it will wake up the Vatican to start doing the right thing insted of giving lip service. come on Ladies show the church your not just a bunch of dumb sheep . The church seems to forget God created Women also. Ladies Hit them in the pocketbook thats where it will hurt!! Time to weed the chaff from the wheat.
evny077 | Aug 16, 2010, 03:37 PM EDT
Amen, sister!
ladyjane | Aug 16, 2010, 11:26 AM EDT
Right on. Women must take action, but we wonder who will listen!!
appalachian | Aug 16, 2010, 10:46 AM EDT
Why not go back to the HEDGEROW MASS, when we had to endure anti-Catholicism by the Brits, this way the church gets no maoney, and we can retain our faith to God-NO MORE CHURCHES !!
bern1952 | Aug 16, 2010, 10:24 AM EDT
This is actually funny. Boycot Mass on Sunday. I thought they had been doing that for the past 10 years at least. It must be the 80 year olds that she wants to stay home. She should start her own Religion, maybe the reformed Catholic movement.
Carroll09 | Aug 16, 2010, 05:11 AM EDT
Marsman- you claim that the Church never tells that Christ said "When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret" [Matthew 6:6]. Rubbish. Firstly, this passage is read at Mass several times a year. Secondly, the point of that passage, and it is clear if you look at the context, is that we shouldn't pray simply to be noticed by others as the "hypocrites" do. Thirdly, if the Church selfishly wasn't telling Catholics this line as you claim, why was it left in the Bible when the Church was setting down the canon of Scripture in the late 4th century? Also, were the Apostles disobeying Christ when they gathered on "the Lord's Day" (Sunday) to celebrate the Eucharist? You might think that the Lord's other command of "Do this in memory of Me" was insignificant, but the Apostles didn't 2,000 years ago, nor does the Church today- the Mass was so central to the faith that it was always celebrated with the community on a Sunday. There is time for private prayer and a time for public worship - that is what the Church has always taught.
shoestrade22 | Aug 15, 2010, 10:33 PM EDT
v
marsman | Aug 15, 2010, 10:17 PM EDT
btw. this can be supported by what Jesus advised: "And when you pray, go into your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father, who is in secret, ..." Understandably, for totally selfish reasons, the Church never tells of this, what the LORD in that context recommended. And then is also the chance to look up: Uta Ranke Heinemann: Eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven at amazon, and just look at the synopsis and reader comments there. It is a critic of the sexual moral of the Church, how it came into existence, etc.. The book is not about atheism, etc., and is likely to be a pain relief for many. Women were subject to really nasty moralizing, a moral (abuse) that is straight- forward in many parts. Heinemann does a thourough job.
snapbowie | Aug 15, 2010, 07:21 PM EDT
I think Jennifer Sleeman's idea is one of the best I have heard in a long time. Might I suggest one slight modification for improvement. Besides just boycotting Mass and not attending, these women should show their strength by spending their "Mass" time working for a cahritable organization like a shelter for battered women or serving meals to homeless. The uptick in volunteerism on that Sunday would reveal just how powerful these women, and men who support them, really are. You are an inspiration and I hope that I have your spunk at 81!
Carroll09 | Aug 15, 2010, 05:39 PM EDT
Manofaran - can you please tell us exactly when "in Roman times" they changed "the Mass day" from Saturday to Sunday? You see, it's quite clear in Scripture that the Apostles worshipped on the day of the Resurrection, not the Jewish Sabbath. But if you have a different date, please let us know. As to the matter in hand - boycotting Mass - it is nothing short of disgraceful. One wonders what the Mass means to those who would be willing to boycott that which is "the source and summit of the Church's life": the Eucharist. As Catholics they believe that at Mass they receive the true Body and Blood of Christ - as the Church has always taught...Using such an august sacrament as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to make a political statement is utterly reprehensible. The only message it will send is that they are people who claim to be Catholic when it suits them, but they are willing to use the Church's greatest treasure (and turn their backs on it) to further their aims.
glorybe1929 | Aug 15, 2010, 03:24 PM EDT
I really don't think a person should comment on senility as an age thing. I've known Dr's at the age of 58 to have alzhiemers(sp?) We had 5 pedophile priests in our church of St. Maria Goretti in Scottsdale, Arizona. Not all there at the same time but we knew them all and would have vouched for every one but the last one . I can name them all as their names were in the Az. Republic. I've been blogging since 2001 about how the Roman catholic Church is not a Church but a money making machine for all the 'devils works'. Ask me any question you like and I'll try and answer to the best of my "old ability"
glorybe1929 | Aug 15, 2010, 03:14 PM EDT
Mrs. Sleeman is the same age as I am. I feel the same way only more so. I am also a convert at the age of 12 with my Mother, to bring back my Dad to the fold, which it did and we raised our family in this church and left in 2001 on our 50 wedding anniv.,...when all we'd heard bad over the years by the religious in our family and wouldn't believe it, came through like a lightening bolt to us, saying, "it is all true and you have been had". I think the whole RC church is doomed and it should be put under the firing squad of the World Court, They have committed hideous Crimes Against Humanity and should be tried and found guilty. I speak of so many sins not just the Sins against the Holy Spirit (which are unforgiveable) but money sins, lying sins,Impersonating JC. etc. Sins too numerous to count. I'll be 81 on Aug. 17th. Happy 81 st to you., Mrs Sleeman. We're still kickin'
GeorgeDillon | Aug 15, 2010, 02:51 PM EDT
Sceach68, Assuming that you are who you say--we have no way of corroborating it--perhaps you'll have the courtesy and courage to back up your crazy claim. What part of what I wrote was "sexist"? None, of course. And as regards age, well the woman is selling her silly suggestion on the basis that she's an old woman. So please don't make such inane and offensive charges. Kindly retract them and apologize. And by the way, and still buying for the moment the line you have spun about being this woman's child, can we ask you how often YOU attend mass? Or are you one of those who will boycott an event they haven't attended in decade? I was at the Super Bowl in 1997. I haven't been since. I've been BOYCOTTING it, apparently! What an idiotic post by you, Sceach68.
WoundedKnee | Aug 15, 2010, 02:37 PM EDT
sceach: "Mr George Dillon, I can confirm that my mother is not going senile and find your sexist and ageist comments queer" I'll let Dillon answer for himself, but I find your mother's action disgraceful. I am certain she will have no effect however, as, from listening online to Irish radio today, I can see that the only ones who will "boycott" Mass will be women who haven't been in a church for 20 years! For instance Bacik the self-appointed spokeswoman for Irish atheists was on the radio supporting the boycott. This is an abortion-loving atheist who has not been at Mass for 30 years! And she's going to support the old woman's boycott? Some boycott! The mass-going women and men of Ireland will not listen to these creeps. They know that their church has gone off the true track, but they also know that people like Bacik are not concerned about finding the right road again. Perhaps Dillon was alluding to this in his "senile " comment--there is something "senile" in the naivete of the old woman, if she doesn't see how she will be used by people who hate the Church. This woman may be old, but her understanding of the role and importance of the Mass is certainly juvenile.
2BorNot2B | Aug 15, 2010, 02:07 PM EDT
@exbreese who says: **...Judas was not allowed to remain one of Jesus desciples after his betrayal.** -- WRONG! No one EVER, least of all Jesus forbade him from remaining not only but disciple but apostle. -- If we are to believe that Jesus was God and therefore He knew from the beginning what Judas would do, then He also had an ulterior reason to choose a thief and traitor, He knew human sinfulness and weakness and what other Judases would do much later. -- Judas in the end did not believe Jesus's teachings on repentance and forgiveness and decided to off himself. -- The remaining apostles later 'drew straws' to replace him and thus cementing the concept of 'apostolic succession.'-- **..This has not been the case with many of the guilty priests and the ones that covered for them..** -- The witch-hunt against the Church continues unabated. - The facts are that two bishops not allowed to resign by B-XVI have NOT been proven guilty of any cover-up but the pitchfork and torch carrying crowd of anti-Catholics, CINO's and assorted bigots will not let up until they think they have mortally wounded and even defeated the CC. -- All are welcome to dream on. - Jesus warned those who'd follow: 'If they've hated me, they will hate you even more..' -- Nothing to see here that was not thought of by Jesus during his brief life, folks.. move along!
Siobhan39 | Aug 15, 2010, 01:03 PM EDT
Is jacersisityourself for real? Does he (she, but no doubt a he) see anything wrong in priests molesting kids? You miss Mass, so you go to confession! Why? Most of the rules in the Catholic Church today are man made. Yes, jacersisityourself, MAN MADE. Jesus would be ashamed of what His church looks like if he walked the earth today. Old man clothed in gold and silver and jewels preaching harsh rules and regulations, not love and understanding and compassion.
sceach68 | Aug 15, 2010, 11:54 AM EDT
Mr George Dillon, I can confirm that my mother is not going senile and find your sexist and ageist comments queer. Interesting to read some very unchristian behaviour towards her in the name of Christ. Thanks everyone else for your support.
killowen | Aug 15, 2010, 09:30 AM EDT
go back to a st patrick type of missionary structure where priests and higher up are voted into office
kevinosullivan | Aug 15, 2010, 09:15 AM EDT
No question about the treatment of women in the church. My 85 year old mother was just telling me of how she had to be cleansed by a priest after giving birth. What a bunch of BS. She had to pay 10 shillings and be blessed. During times when she couldn't put butter on the table. Another method to squeeze money from the people. What hypocrisy.
theshamrocklady | Aug 15, 2010, 08:54 AM EDT
More power to her, and other women in this world.
manofaran | Aug 14, 2010, 05:20 PM EDT
jacersisityourself. Christ gave a 3rd Commandment: "Do this in memory of Me”. He did not say go to mass every Sunday or your going to hell, he didnt say that the Pope is his right hand man on earth and must be followed no matter what. There are plenty of things he said that have been twisted and turned to suit peoples needs when of course it suits them. FYI...Born and raised Catholic did my time as an Alterboy.....and as for the queues outside the confessionals well very few people at home ever go, once a year maybe, unless you are getting up there. I think he will be fine with boycotting a Sunday mass considering it was in Roman times that they changed the mass day from Saturday to Sunday so as to claim Sunday the pagan day to worship the Sun God as the Sabbath.Fair play to the Old Girl an a verry happy birthday to her. Up Sceach.
exbreese | Aug 14, 2010, 03:31 PM EDT
George Dillon...Judas was not allowed to remain one of Jesus desciples after his betrayal....This has not been the case with many of the guilty priests and the ones that covered for them....This makes a huge difference.
GeorgeDillon | Aug 14, 2010, 12:57 PM EDT
This is a a really stupid suggestion, and begs the question as to whether this old woman is not getting senile. The folks in Ireland who are still going to Mass are doing so, as are my relatives, out of a deep-seated love and respect for their forefathers, who carried on the Mass "in spite of dungeon, fire and sword". They are loyal to the Old Faith, and won't be swayed by this silly suggestion. The ones who have dropped away are already sheep that are outside the fold, and they're not going to boycott something they don't do anyway. And just in case any of the pseudo-atheists here try to warp what I have written, I will point out that those still loyal to the Church are disgusted and outraged by the worthless venal hierarchy and the small number of evil vermin who abused their position for their own filthy purposes. But remember, one of the apostles was Judas...
jacersisityourself | Aug 14, 2010, 10:30 AM EDT
This lady, admirable though her cause is, is out of order to call for a boycott of Mass. At His last supper, Christ gave a 3rd Commandment: "Do this in memory of Me”. This lady is urging all Irishwomen to deliberately and publically disobey Christ for one day on the appointed day for weekly Mass. There could be a lot of them out there boycotting whose last day it will be on earth. How long is a day in God’s world? Can you imagine the rush of women to Confession boxes after such a boycott? It’ll probably be as mad a rush as those on the first day of a January sale. Given the large numbers who may support Mrs Sleeman, I can see there’ll be long queues outside the confessionals, since by popular current secular demand, there’ll be so few priests available for confessions to stop them sliding into hell for disobeying Christ. There are ways to make one’s point but boycotting Mass is not one of them. Ah, oh dear... the fickleness of... of... women.