Shelley Gilchrist was ordained to the diaconate on Wednesday, August 28, 2019
“Shelley ‘s call is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus to celebrate the holiness of life and creation as the face of the holy among us. Shelley has come to this special evening in a lifelong desire to serve others. Whether befriending the outcast in elementary school to her current occupation as a chaplain for hospice, Shelley has been called to a ministry of presence; a desire to stand beside the most vulnerable among us. She served as an educator in public high schools and was often a person of support for the kids who had been branded with a label. She holds a master’s degree in Fine Arts and has had more than three years of theological training. Through CPE, Shelley was introduced to Diane Dougherty and the Federation of Christian Ministries. In her pursuit of Commissioning, Shelley met her dear friends and mentors Miriam Picconi and Wanda Russell. While attending their faith group, Shelley began to experience the love and prophetic ministry of the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests. Reading our mission statement of inclusivity and justice struck a deep chord in Shelley’s heart. After a period of discernment, the call to serve and work toward full equality for women in the Church was clear and palpable. She asks for your prayers as she begins her service as a deacon in the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests. “Here am I, God, send me,” is her daily prayer.”
Follow the rest of the article https://bridgetmarys.blogspot.com/2019/08/arcwp-ordination-of-shelley-gilchrist.html