In an entirely different vein, although the same one (paradox alert!) - tonight I met our new curate for the first time. She (yep) was ordained in Diocese of Dallas on June 6 along with our former intern, also female.
It does happen. Just not reliably. For really crummy reasons.
She has wonderful skills and a great background in pastoral care and counseling. I'm so excited about having her. And, she is African-American, which I believe is a first for our parish.
When the possibility of hiring her was brought up initially, and the fact that she was female and African-American were mentioned, someone said, "Well, that shouldn't make any difference! If she's qualified, those things don't matter at all."
And I said, "I disagree with that. Those things are VALUE-ADDED. She will bring new viewpoints and a new face to us. Those things ROCK!"
So, thanks be to God. And I am still waiting to hear what God's plan is, because it's awfully murky right now.
And I can't promise that, as a friend said, there won't be a mob scene down at the Cathedral in the days to come.
As you were...