International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on and honour the efforts of many women in forming a more inclusive and participatory church, according to the Director of the National Centre for Pastoral Research. Source: Catholic Voice.
Trudy Dantis is the guest speaker at this year’s Catholic Women’s Taskforce annual International Women’s Day breakfast in Canberra on March 13.
“As a woman in the Second Assembly (of the Synod on Synodality), I had the opportunity to learn and live synodality with other lay and clergy members, practising deep listening and engaging in conversations across a variety of cultural and ecclesiastical settings,” Dr Dantis said.
“The synodal process has raised women’s voices from many nations, each with their own unique experiences of faith, Church, and discipleship. Their contributions, moulded by many challenges, hopes, and responsibilities in their communities, enrich our shared journey and serve as a reminder that the Church is strongest when all voices are heard.”
Dr Dantis said the Synod’s Final Document is a reminder to the faithful that “we bear witness to the Gospel when we seek to live in relationships that respect the equal dignity and reciprocity between men and women”.
“As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025 and work to increase women’s participation, particularly in discernment and decision-making processes and positions of responsibility, we renew our commitment to walking together in a spirit of cooperation and co-responsibility, ensuring that women’s contributions continue to enhance the life and mission of the Church.”
Taskforce Chair Helena Zobec said the upcoming event was an exciting opportunity to host Dr Dantis.
“She has a lot of experience within the Catholic Church as a female in a leadership role, which is a critical element that the taskforce supports,” she explained.
“So often, women have a leadership role in the background of parishes – they are often the unsung heroes who keep the cogs turning. This came out clearly in the Plenary, with one of the decrees addressing the equal dignity of men and women in the Catholic Church. It certainly supports the Pope’s directions on where he would like to see the Catholic Church going in terms of laity involvement.”
International Women’s Day was marked on Saturday, March 8.
For more information on the Canberra IWD breakfast, click here.
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International Women’s Day: Synodality and Women’s role in leadership (By Veronika Cox, Catholic Voice)
