Our ordained priests come from diverse backgrounds, professions, and life experiences, yet share a common commitment to serving God’s people through sacramental ministry, compassionate care, and Gospel-centered justice.
Click on each member’s name to access their biography and additional information.
Barbara A. Beadles is a member of the pastoral team of Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community in central Maryland. She enjoys creating and presiding at liturgical and non-liturgical ceremonies celebrating transitions of life. She holds a Doctor of Ministry from Global University; a Master of Arts in Liturgical Studies from The Catholic University of America and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Thomas More College. She holds certificates in spiritual direction and Companioning the Dying: Fully Opening to the Living. She lives with her husband Jim in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Ordained Deacon: 2014 | Ordained Priest: 2015
Professional Title: Rev. Doctor
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
Community: Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community
Community Contact: livingwatercommunity@comcast.net
Meeting Format: In person
Website/Social: Living Water I C C
Called to ministry at age seven, Donna Burke told her mother that she wanted to be a priest. That calling was realized when she was ordained a deacon in 2016 and a priest with Roman Catholic Womenpriests (RCWP) in 2017.
A lifelong Catholic, Donna attended Catholic elementary and high schools in Fall River, Massachusetts. She holds a Master of Theology and a Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University.
Donna lives in Amherst, New Hampshire, with her wife, Sue. Within RCWP, she serves as President of the Board of Directors’ Circle and Regional Administrator for the Eastern Region.
Professional Title: Rev. Donna E. Burke
Location: Amherst, New Hampshire, USA
Ordained Deacon: 2016 | Ordained Priest: 2017
Rev. Marie David, M.Ed., Reiki Master/Teacher, has more than 30 years of experience in Catholic education, spirituality, and parish ministry. From 2002–2017, she and her husband, Jim, served as directors of Evensong Retreat & Spirituality Center and co-pastors of St. Mary of Magdala Church. Following the sale of the retreat center in 2017, they continued their ministry as co-pastors of St. Mary of Magdala Church in Harwich, Massachusetts, until 2022.
Marie is the mother of two grown daughters and grandmother of three grandchildren. Her ministries include women’s spirituality and wellness, Reiki treatments and training, spiritual direction, and retreat leadership.
Professional Title: Rev. Marie David
Location: Merrimack, New Hampshire, USA
Ordained Deacon: 2004 | Ordained Priest: 2005
Rev. D. Alexandra Dyer is a Roman Catholic Womanpriest, spiritual director, executive leader, consultant, and advocate for justice whose ministry joins sacramental inclusion with organizational stewardship. Ordained in apostolic succession to the priesthood in Roman Catholic Womenpriests on May 10, 2014, she served as Priest of St. Praxedis Inclusive Roman Catholic Community and later as Chief Financial Officer and National Board Member of Roman Catholic Womenpriests. She is also a commissioned clergy member of the Federation of Christian Ministries and a member of Spiritual Directors International.
Her formation includes a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from The General Theological Seminary, a B.A. in Philosophy and Religion, cum laude, from Barnard College, Columbia University, an MBA from Western Governors University, executive MBA (MDPE) study at Columbia Business School, and doctoral (D.Min.) studies beginning at Global Ministries University in 2026.
Across more than four decades, Alexandra has led and advised mission-driven organizations in human services, harm reduction, affordable housing, health care, youth development, the arts, community revitalization, finance, governance, compliance, enterprise risk management, and change leadership. Her service has consistently centered dignity, accountability, and systems that sustain human flourishing.
As a Roman Catholic Womanpriest, Alexandra understands ordained ministry as a call to sacramental justice, conscience formation, and faithful public witness. Her theological formation, spiritual practice, executive competence, and lifelong advocacy equip her to work for women’s ordination and the full participation of women and all baptized persons in the life, leadership, and sacramental ministry of the Roman Catholic Church.
Professional Title: Reverend
Location: The Bronx, New York
Ordained Deacon: 2012 | Ordained Priest: 2014
Rev. Patti LaRosa lives in Rochester, NY. She was active for 10 years with the Dignity-Integrity Group for the LGBTQIA+ community as Chaplain. She also preacher and presided in rotation with other ministers.
She currently provides preaching and presiding assistance at Spiritus Christi Church. Patti is considering training as a Death Doula as an additional ministry for the community.
Professional Title: Rev. Patricia (Patti) LaRosa
Location: Rochester, NY
Ordained Deacon: 2010| Ordained Priest: 2011
Community: Spiritus Christi Church
Meeting Format: In person
A lifelong Roman Catholic, Rev. Leahy received her MDiv from the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry in 2017. She is also a certified spiritual director and group spiritual director. Professional endeavors include ministry with the homeless and acting for 2 years as Convener and Facilitator for the Mayor of Boston in the campaign to eradicate homelessness in the city. In 2023, Rev. Leahy planted a liturgical community in Cambridge, MA known as the Mary Magdalene Spirituality Center. Her three year tenure in building a progressive and inclusive community of faithful from all walks of life was a time of deep learning, solidarity and prayer. Last year (2025) Rev. Leahy moved fulltime to Martha’s Vineyard and is in the process of building another liturgical community there. Her primary ministry loves are preaching, administering the sacraments and sharing faith stories. Rev. Leahy is also a longtime member of Women’s Ordination Conference and contributes to its Liturgy committee at present. A highlight of her ordained life was her visit to St. Baux, France to spend time in contemplation in the cave of Mary Magdalene.
Professional Title: Rev. Mary Michael Leahy
Location: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, USA
Ordained Deacon: 2020 | Ordained Priest: 2021
Community Contact: newseeds28@gmail.com
Meeting Format: Both (in person and Zoom)
Website/Social: Instagram: @marymgdalenecenter
I am a retired Pastor of Good Shepherd Ministries of SW Florida. Our community remains in touch but no longer meets regularly. Our beloved co-pastor, Rev. Judith Beaumont went home to our loving God on 1/1/2018. I continue to counsel, share and write using my blog- judyabl.blog. My two more recent books are: The House on Sunny Street: A Tale of Two Brooklyns, PublishAmerica.com and, The Courage to Love and Serve: The Life Story of Rev. Judith Ann Beaumont, Outskirts Press. I have been a University Professor for almost thirty years serving at NYU, UConn and FGCU schools of social work. I especially enjoy my “foster” son Marley and his family. I am in a special relationship with a partner who lives out of state and we visit as much as possible. I care for several kitties and 3 dogs as one of my dear church members passed and left her pets here. Life is very full and l especially enjoy living on a beautiful little lake where nature abounds. Thanks be to God!
Professional Title: Rev. Donna E. Burke
Location: Amherst, New Hampshire, USA
Ordained Deacon: 2016 | Ordained Priest: 2017
Website: judyabl.com
Email: judyabl8615@gmail.com
Community: Good Shepherd Ministries of SWFl
Where do you meet? Zoom
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Rev. Mary Murphy, M.Div., BCC was ordained a Roman Catholic Woman Priest on May 4, 2024. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University and is a Board Certified Chaplain. Mary served as a chaplain resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and continued providing spiritual care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also worked as a spiritual counselor in addiction treatment settings.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Mary’s educational journey took her from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop to Divinity school at Vanderbilt University. Her lifelong love of the arts includes writing poetry and studying visual arts. Since 2001, she has made her home in Nashville, Tennessee, where she and her husband, Doug, raised two children.
Mary is committed to creating inclusive, compassionate faith communities where all are welcome and where the Gospel call to justice, equality, and service can flourish.
Professional Title: Reverend and chaplain
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Ordained Deacon: 2023 | Ordained Priest: 2024
Community Contact: chaplainmarymurphy18@gmail.com
Maryrose Petrizzo is also an ordained Inter-faith Minister for over 13 years, who has served in Catholic parish ministry for more than 25 years. Her service has included youth and young adult ministry, retreat direction for youth and adults, and catechists’ instruction. Maryrose has served as Formation Director for Secular Franciscans, as a Certified Spiritual Director, and as a Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®. She is an accomplished public speaker and an experienced “Master of Ceremonies.” Maryrose has a Master’s degree in Pastoral Care & Counseling and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Ministry. For the last 12 years, Maryrose has been actively participating and serving in an Intentional Catholic Community in Wilmington Delaware, Palmyra, NJ and serves as a presider for Dignity Philadelphia. In addition, Maryrose creates and officiates custom ceremonies for those who do not have a church affiliation or are not welcome in a church, and she has specialized in same-sex weddings and civil unions. Maryrose can be reached at Maryrosepetrizzo@gmail.com.
Professional Title: Reverend
Location: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Ordained Deacon: 2013 | Ordained Priest: 2014
Community: New Jerusalem Community
Community Contact: maryrosepetrizzo@gmail.com
Meeting Format: Both (in person and Zoom)
Wendi Steinberg was ordained a Roman Catholic Woman Priest in 2024 and is commissioned and endorsed by the Federation of Christian Ministries (FCM, 2025). A member of Compassion Circle, Wendi serves through preaching, sacramental ministry, and spiritual formation.
As Director of Spiritual Care, Education and Ethics at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, VA, Wendi leads a team of 19 dedicated to holistic care. She is the health system Chair of both the Ethics Committee and Institutional Review Board for research. A recipient of the Department of Defense Patriotic Employer Award (2022), Wendi has secured over $1 million in grants to advance Clinical Chaplain Education in underserved rural communities. She is a Board-Certified Chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains and an ACPE Certified Educator.
Wendi is an experienced Yin Yoga practitioner, burgeoning acrylic and watercolor painter, avid wildlife photographer, and devoted vermiculturist composting with worms as a small act of love for a sustainable world. For Wendi, tending the earth and tending the human spirit are part of the same sacred calling.
Professional Title: Reverend
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Ordained Deacon: 2023 | Ordained Priest: 2024
Click on each member’s name to access their biography and additional information.
I find great joy in serving as priest and co-pastor, together with Dianne Willman, for the Ru’ha Faith Community. This inclusive, welcoming, and vibrant community is my focus and the heart of my ministry.
Within RCWP–South Africa, I serve as the Public Officer for our nonprofit organization, where I represent the organisation for tax purposes.
In my local Cape Town community, I volunteer as a Trauma Volunteer with the Community Intervention Centre, offering support to those in crisis. Beyond my ministry and volunteer work, my grandchildren and family are a constant source of delight and relaxation.
Professional Title: Reverend
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Ordained Deacon: 2025 | Ordained Priest: 2025
Community: Ru’ha Faith Community
Community Contact: ruhacommunity@gmail.com
Meeting Format: Zoom
Dianne Willman has felt called by God to serve as priest since childhood. She was ordained in January 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Catholic since birth, Dianne has actively been engaged in her faith life and is drawn to a ministry on the margins especially by sharing the Eucharist in a contemplative inclusive way. Dianne is also a South African lawyer. She has a strong sense of justice and as a prosecutor feels she can speak for victims of crime. As a trainer, she empowers prosecutors from all over Africa. Dianne holds a masters degree in law and a masters in philosophy (theology). Dianne facilitates reflection days and accompanies others in spiritual direction. She and Rev Maryanne von Essen co-pastor a growing international community intentionally named Ru’ha which is the Aramaic name for Spirit and has a feminine root in Aramaic.
Professional Title: Advocate
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Ordained Deacon: 2018 | Ordained Priest: 2019
Community: Ru’ha Faith Community
Community Contact: ruhacommunity@gmail.com
Meeting Format: Zoom and In-Person
Click on each member’s name to access their biography and additional information.
Click on each member’s name to access their biography and additional information.
Dan’s priesthood is animated by his spiritual direction practice, home masses and a blessed variety of opportunities to preach in numerous area churches. Flowing from his Masters in Pastoral Studies (2009) and Certificate in Spiritual Direction (2010) at the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, he has done parish ministry and retreats before serving as Program Director for the (former) Chiara Center in Springfield, Illinois. While not currently with any community, Dan invests his energy in anti-racism work, interfaith community building, the UNITED Open & Affirming faith communities and his monthly visits to offer spiritual support to those at the Elizabeth Packard Mental Health Center. When not actively engaged in ministry, Dan plays trombone in the pit orchestras for local theatrical productions, tends his gardens and makes lots of homemade jelly. For over 35 years, he has been blessed to live with his wife Sherry as they support and celebrate their adult children Nicolas and Clare.
Professional Title: Reverend
Location: Rochester, IL
Ordained Deacon: 2023 | Ordained Priest: 2024
Website: dfrachey.wixsite.com/website
Paula Ivory Hoeffer serves the Resurrection Community in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is busy presiding at home masses, baptizing, anointing the sick, and being present to those who feel lost or marginalized. She is a former Sister of Notre Dame de Namur and graduate of the University of Dayton. She taught for 32 years as a Catholic educator, which has given her the wonderful opportunity to travel extensively worldwide through student exchanges. Paula is happily married for over 50 years to Ed, her supportive and loving husband. She has three daughters who keep her alive and energized, and nine beloved grandchildren. She never imagined that she would become a woman priest or bishop, but received a definite call in prayer and has responded humbly and enthusiastically.
Professional Title: Bishop Paula Hoeffer/Rev. Paula Ivory Hoeffer
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Ordained Deacon: 2013 | Ordained Priest: 2014
Ordained Bishop: 2025
Contact: paula.hoeffer@gmail.com
Community: Resurrection Community
Meeting Type: Zoom
Susan M. Russell has been a social worker since 2004 and opened her private practice , Heart Centered Health and Wellness, LLC, in 2024. She is certified as a gender affirming social worker through the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and volunteers with a local LGBTQIA+ support group.
She has an Master of Arts in Theology from John Carroll University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Akron. She is a member of the Community of Saint Bridget in Brecksville, Ohio, where she serves on the liturgy committee and presides with other members of her community. She formed another faith community in 2025, In the Footsteps of Rabboni, with the intention of offering masses in her home and community.
Susan has several fitness certifications (personal trainer, group fitness, yoga teacher, and USAT Level One triathlon coach) and has completed several sprint triathlons. She lives in Medina Ohio with her black Labrador, Joey.
Professional Title: Clinical Social Worker
Location: Medina, Ohio
Ordained Deacon: 2022
Ordained Priest: 2023
Community: Community of Saint Bridget
Community Contact: https://www.communityofstbridget.org/worship-aids
Website/social media: https://russellstrong.com/
Meeting Format: Both (In person and zoom)
Click on each member’s name to access their biography and additional information.
Kathleen has felt called to the priesthood since she was seven years old. She received her early formation in radical Catholicism from her time at the Catholic Worker, from working in her large vegetable garden, and from raising her two children. Years of training as a catechist, specializing in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, strengthened her love of scripture, liturgy, sacraments and celebration. Kathleen was ordained a deacon in 2012, received her Masters in Religious Education from Graduate Theological Foundation in 2013, and was ordained a priest in 2014. She is also a graduate from the Seminary of the Wild Earth with a certificate as a Wild Guide (2025). She enjoys exploring the interplay between nature, scripture, liturgy and the liturgical year. If not crafting a liturgy, you will often find her in the garden or hiking and camping with her husband in the forest. In 2026 she was ordained as Bishop of the Region for the Holy Margins of Roman Catholic Women Priests.
Professional Title: Rev. Kathleen Bellefeuille-Rice
Location: Olympia, WA
Ordained Deacon: 2012
Ordained Priest: 2014
Ordained Bishop: 2026
Community: Holy Wisdom Inclusive Catholic Community and The Catholic Church of the Beatitudes
Community Contact: kbr.urbanfarmer@gmail.com
Meeting Format: Both (In person and zoom)
Jeannette Bertalan Love was ordained a deacon on Aug. 28, 2010, and a Roman Catholic Womanpriest on September 12, 2010. For nineteen years Jeannette was a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart. While there, she studied theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington School of Theology in New Jersey. She was ordained a priest and then a bishop in the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch (not under Rome) and served the Archbishops and aided in the development of the Church for eleven years. Jeannette also attended the University of Creation Spirituality founded by Matthew Fox in Oakland, CA and received a Master’s Degree awarded by Naropa University in Boulder, CO. Jeannette worked at La Casa de Maria Retreat Center in Santa Barbara as Program Coordinator and then Conference Coordinator for nine years. While there she met Suzanne Dunn, SFCC and learned about the Sisters for Christian Community and after a two year preparation time, became a vowed member. She is currentlty living in Community with Suzanne Dunn, RCWP and was with her when she began the Beatitudes Community. Presently, Jeannette is Pastor of the Catholic Church of the Beatitudes in Santa Barbara, CA. During her time at La Casa she trained as a Spiritual Director, and offers opportunities for Spiritual Direction, facilitates a weekly Centering Prayer Group, and is commissioned to give the Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop.
Professional Title: MA
Location: Carpinteria, CA
Ordained Deacon: 2010
Ordained Priest: 2010
Community: Catholic Church of the Beatitudes
Website: https://www.beatitudes-sb.org/
Meeting Format: Both (In person and zoom)
Mary Grace Crowley-Koch began her walk toward priesthood at age 4 when she engaged her nursery school playmates in Eucharistic celebrations. She was taught by the Adrian Dominicans for 12 years and entered that community. While completing her MA in Theology at St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN, and serving as a pastoral associate at several parishes, she continued to feel the Spirit nudge. First to marriage and after Angela and Brian were on their life path, the ordination nudge returned. An opportunity to work as a hospice chaplain was offered to her and she again felt the validation of her call to priesthood from the persons she served and blessed. She and her married priest husband, Ron, also initiated a small faith community which has been meeting monthly for 30 years. A final nudge came as she and Ron, ministered to couples with RC based spirituality who wanted to get married outside the RC church building venue. Mary Grace believes in the constant call of the Spirit of the Living God to “do a new thing.” Following her call to ordination, she continues to share her talents and gifts and has been blessed abundantly in the dance of love and service to God’s people.
Professional Title: Reverend
Location: Mount Prospect, Illinois
Ordained Deacon: 2010 | Ordained Priest: 2011
Community: Spirit of the Living God
Contact: agraced12@gmail.com
Meeting Style: In Person
Professional Title: Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Marriage, Family, Child Counselor
Location: Long Beach, CA
Ordained Deacon: 1972
Ordained Priest: 1973
Website/social media: nick.delosreyes@gmail.com
Community: Magdala Catholic Community
Community Contact: MagdalaCommunity@groups.io
Meeting Format: Zoom
Suzanne Dunn. Sfcc, (Sister for Christian Community) is currently Pastor Emerita of the Catholic Church of the Beatitudes in Santa Barbara, California. She recently celebrated her 85th birthday. She resides in Carpinteria, Ca. with another member of her religious community, Sr. Jeannette Love. Suzanne holds an MA in Religious Studies from Seattle University and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the Fielding Institute. She served as a Pastoral Associate at St. Joseph’s Parish in Carpinteria, Ca. for 5 years. Then she began the program of studies to become an ordained Roman Catholic Womanpriest. She was ordained a Roman Catholic Woman Priest on September 7, 2008. Suzanne founded the Catholic Church of the Beatitudes and served as its pastor until 2016 when she retired at the age of 75. Currently, Suzanne is offering Spiritual Direction, visiting sick members of the Beatitude Community in need of an anointing and Eucharist, and assisting Jeannette Love, current Pastor, at liturgies and other liturgical functions.
Professional Title: Dr. Dunn
Location: Carpinteria, CA
Ordained Deacon: 2008
Ordained Priest: 2008
Website/social media: https://beatitudes-sb.org/
Community: Catholic Church of the Beatitudes
Community Contact: dunnsuzanne323@gmail.com
Meeting Format: Both (In person and zoom)
Continuing to work as a licensed psychologist, Chris convenes a Eucharistic Community known as Santa Sofia which provides support for Bread and Roses, a Catholic Worker community based in Santa Cruz County. She has created a walking labyrinth (Mary’s Way) that is open to guests seeking quiet, a meditation walk or time in the outdoors; also welcomes and leads day groups for spiritual practice. A musician since childhood she studies music and writes liturgical music and chants.
Professional Title: Rev. Dr. Christine Fahrenbach
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Ordained Deacon: 2011
Ordained Priest: 2014
Website/social media: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1g41sUfHf9sr_TRzWPT8B_1Ab4wWHqOn4
Community: Santa Sofia Inclusive Catholic Community
Community Contact: cmfahrenbach@gmail.com
Meeting Format: In person
Donna Johnson-Smith was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon, in 1951. She went through Catholic grade school at Sacred Heart Academy and St. Philip Neri. After graduating from high school, she entered the convent at 19 with the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. Donna was a member of the community for 14 years, during which time she finished her undergraduate work in psychology. She worked at St. Joseph’s Children’s Home in Spokane and also taught at a Catholic school for 3 years. After deciding teaching was not for her, she went back to school and got a master’s in psychology from Santa Clara University and did individual counseling. After leaving religious life in 1985, Donna moved back to Portland and continued working in counseling. Donna met her first wife, Joy, and was married for 28 years, before Joy sadly passed away. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Pacific University in 1998 and worked as a clinical psychologist until her retirment. Donna met her second wife, Janis (an Episcopal priest) and they’ve been married for 6 years. Donna was ordained a priest for RCWP in 2022 and ministers with the Holy Wisdom Inclusive Catholic Community in Washington State.
Professional Title: Rev. Dr. Donna Marie Johnson-Smith
Location: Lacey, Washington, USA
Ordained Deacon: 2021 | Ordained Priest: 2022
Community: Holy Wisdom
Community Contact: psydmsmith@gmail.com
Meeting Format: Both (In person and zoom)
Chris Kanowitz (he/him) is from Reno, Nevada. His parents are Morris and Aida, and he has a younger sister, Leslie. Chris was canonically ordained a priest for the Diocese of Reno in 2017 and served three parish communities. He also lived for a time as a hermit at the Carmelite monastery in Reno. During his time of ministry in the diocese, Chris struggled to help create communities where all could truly be welcomed unconditionally. After 7 years as an institutional cleric, he was received into the Region for the Holy Margins of RCWP. Chris helped co-found and currently serves on the leadership team of Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community in Seattle, is a practitioner in the Tiger Mountain Sangha (Buddhist meditation community) which practices in the Plum Village tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, is an Associate in the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, and is also a member of the Co-Dependents Anonymous Fellowship. Chris is a certified Death Midwife and hopes to study Kabbalah one day. He currently lives in Ellensburg with his partner, Jonathan, their little girl, Lila, their pet rabbit and their four dogs.
Professional Title: Rev. Christopher Kanowitz
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
Ordained Deacon: 2016 | Ordained Priest: 2017
Community: Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community
Website: seattleinclusivecatholic.org
Email: chris@seattleinclusivecatholic.org
Meeting Format: In person
Maureen is an ordained Roman Catholic Womanpriest (RCWP-USA). She received her M.Div. from the Jesuit School of Theology at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. In addition, she holds a teaching credential in English. Her areas of emphasis is Feminist Liberation theology, social justice and the emergent field of eco-theology. Maureen has been a high school theology teacher, Campus Minister, hospital chaplain and liturgist giving workshops on both the local and national level. She was pastor of St. Hildegard’s Inclusive Catholic Community from 2015- 2020. Currently, is an officer of the Board of Directors Circle for RCWP-USA.
Maureen is a published writer and poet. Presently, she is a contributing writer to This Is My Body found on Substack.
Professional Title: Rev. Maureen Mancuso
Location: San Ramon, CA. USA
Ordained Deacon: 2011 | Ordained Priest: 2013
Adina Meyer entered the Catholic Church in 1989 and spent many years as an RCIA teacher and cantor. She compartmentalized her call to ministry until 2013 when she attended her first inclusive Mass while at the SOA Vigil in Fort Benning, Georgia. Seeing a woman at the altar opened up a flood of emotions for her, and she recognized her own vocation to the priesthood.
In 2019, she quit her job as a high school humanities and religion teacher in order to attend Portland Seminary full time, where she graduated with an M.Div. in 2024. She helped found Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community in Seattle in 2022. She was ordained a deacon in 2023 and a priest in 2024. In 2025, Adina was ordained as an authorized minister in the United Church of Christ, and now serves as the pastor of Keystone Congregational UCC while continuing to serve Living Water as one of their priests. The two congregations worship together on the fifth Sunday of the month.
She is married to husband Matthew and has two children – Rowan and Jack, and one grandchild, Zara.
Professional Title: Rev. Adina Meyer
Location: Seattle, WA
Ordained Deacon: 2023 | Ordained Priest: 2024
Website: www.seattleinclusivecatholic.org
Social Media: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083095282306
Community: Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community
Community Contact: junia@seattleinclusivecatholic.org
Meeting Format: In person
Mary Alice Nolan is the 4th of six children raised in Denver Colorado. A cradle Catholic and educated from Kindergarten through her Bachelors in Nursing in Catholic Institutions. Working with the Migrant Farmworkers early on in her career and then spending the last 30 years in nursing in Cancer Centers with a focus on end-of life has exposed her to many social justice issues. But the ultimate injustice of denying women, and many others, a place at the table for Mass, propelled her to compete her theology degree at the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University.
Ordained in 2016 in San Francisco and ministering to the Sophia In Trinity community enlightened her Spiritual life and allowed her to fulfill the goal of welcoming all to the Table of God. As her devoted friend and mentor Maria Eitz said: “Being called to the priesthood, is “a challenge, an honor, a mission , a responsibility; it is speaking for all the women throughout history who were denied by the institutional church, the hierarchy, to serve at the Table of God.”
Professional Title: Mary Alice Nolan, MS, RN, MTh
Location: San Rafael, CA
Ordained Deacon: 2015
Ordained Priest: 2016
Victoria Rue, M.Div., Ph.D. was ordained a priest in 2005 on the St. Lawrence Seaway. She founded Sophia in Trinity in San Francisco in 2009. She retired from that community in 2013. She was a Hospice Chaplin, 2008—2012. Dr. Rue lectured in Comparative Religious Studies and Women’s Studies at San Jose State University, 2004—2021. She is now Emerita. Theatre has always been Victoria’s ministry. She has written and directed plays for over 50 years on both coasts. In 2018/19 Dr. Rue was a Fulbright Scholar at Dar al Kalima University, Bethlehem, Palestine. There she interviewed Christians and Muslims on the subject of Mary/Maryam and created/directed the play, “Maryam, A Woman of Bethlehem.” It premiered in Bethlehem and toured Palestine through the US State Dept. In 2022 the play and actresses came to the US and performed at the Hammer Theatre in San Jose, CA/youtube. Her most recent plays are “Mary and Maryam, a Conversation” (performed in churches with collaborating mosques in the Bay Area and Santa Barbara), and “Voices from the Silenced: Pre-Roe Stories” (made into a film: www.voicesfromthesilenced.com). Victoria’s spouse of thirty-six years is Dr. Kathryn Poethig. They met while studying at Union Theological Seminary in NYC and presently live in Walnut Creek, CA.
Professional Title: Rev. Dr. Victoria Rue
Location: Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Ordained Deacon: 2004 | Ordained Priest: 2005
Website/social media: www.victoriarue.com
Click on each member’s name to access their biography and additional information.
Annie (she/her) grew up a cradle Catholic with a love of ritual and the spiritual life. She started creating liturgies for social change as a Catholic high school student. In college, she studied to become a lay leader in the church—but quickly hit the “stained glass ceiling,” growing disillusioned with church patriarchy and homophobia. This sent her wandering in the wilderness a while, devoting herself to the Earth and the wisdom of her own body. She re-emerged into the Catholic lineage as a seminarian at Eden Theological Seminary, completing her M.Div. in 2021. Annie is a devout animist on a pluralist path, blending Catholicism with wisdom of contemporary Earth-based and shamanic teachers. She is a queer person devoted to Divine Eros. In priesthood, she tends the seeds of a healed future where human beings once again live in balance with one another and this wild, fragrant Earth. Annie has served professionally as a hospice chaplain, union/community organizer, and church program director. She is a spiritual director and death doula. She likes sharing her ideas through writing and aspires to publish. She loves dance and adores her niblings.
Professional Title: Spiritual Director, Death Doula & Grief Tender
Location: Oakland, CA
Ordained Deacon: 2024 | Ordained Priest: 2026
Website/social media: reclaimingspirit.substack.com
Attended St. Frances de Sales Catholic Seminary. Earned the Master of Divinity Degree in June 2006. After ordination co-pastored a community with five married priests, before establishing the Mary of Magdala, Apostle to the Apostles community in 2010 in Milwaukee WI. Co-pastored it with a married priest until June, 2024. Founded the Body of Christ, Blessed Community house church December, 2024, also in Milwaukee. Taught college for four decades prior to ordination. Mother of three, grandmother of five and great grandmother of three. Single since 1994. Avid gardener, social justice advocate and life-long learner.
Professional Title: Rev. Alice Marie Iaquinta
Location: West Bend, Wisconsin
Ordained Deacon: 2007 | Ordained Priest: 2007
Community: Body of Christ, Blessed Community
Meeting Format: In person
Since my ordination in 2010, I’ve had a faith community that now meets only on Zoom. This gives us broader attendance for many who are not local. We use a model where everyone has a voice and can participate in decision-making and liturgy. Every Sunday, we alternate between having a Eucharist Liturgy and then doing a check-in and Liturgy of the Word. Join us at 4:00pm by going to our website: www.fullcircleic.com.
I’m the proud mother of four adults with three grandkids so far! My spouse and I are now retired and enjoying the freedom to travel. We also love to read, garden and host gatherings. I raise monarch butterflies in the summer and paint rock mandalas as often as possible.
After working for over 30 years as both a hospice and palliative care chaplain, I’m currently a Certified Death Doula. Using my past experiences in healthcare, I get to help others talk about death and dying. I now facilitate Death Cafes for staff at the University of Iowa Healthcare and their PA and nursing students. My hope is that everyone gets to create their own Death Plan so their transition is what they want it to be.
Professional Title: Rev. Mary Kay Kusner
Location: Iowa City, IA
Ordained Deacon: 2009 | Ordained Priest: 2010
Community: Full Circle Catholic Community
Website: www.deatheducationcenter.com | www.fullcircleic.com
Meeting Format: Zoom
Angela Nevitt Meyer was ordained a deacon in 2019 and a priest in 2021. She holds a BA from Butler University, an MA in Religion with emphasis in Biblical Studies from Earlham School of Religion, and a Master of Public Health from Boston University.
Angela serves as co-pastor of Brownsburg Inclusive Catholic Community alongside Bishop Nancy Meyer — a hybrid community gathering in person and via Zoom, featured in FutureChurch’s Pentecost Project (https://futurechurch.org/brownsburg-inclusive-catholic-community). Her ministry is rooted in liberationist and feminist theology, attentive to the holy realities of God-with-us and the collective flourishing of life on earth as it is in heaven. Deeply influenced by the human rights framework of reproductive justice, her ministry is grounded in reimagining ways of being church together that dismantle systems of oppression and nurture collective wellbeing.
Her own motherhood and work alongside infants and families in crisis have shaped her theology — deepening her conviction that every child is precious, every family deserves the dignity of a safe and healthy environment, and that the practices of religion and public health are intimately tied.
Angela is bilingual (English/Spanish), collaborates with Catholics for Choice and Women’s Ordination Worldwide, and serves on the Board of Trustees of FutureChurch.
Her spouse and children are at the center of her world — shaping how she shows up every day. The women who have gone before her are her heroes. The generations who inherit the world we give them are her inspiration.
Professional Title: Rev. Angela Nevitt Meyer
Location: Brownsburg, IN, USA
Ordained Deacon: 2019 | Ordained Priest: 2021
Website/social media: binclusivecatholiccommunity.org; https://medium.com/@amnevitt
Nancy L. Meyer was ordained a deacon in August 2009, a priest in May 2010, and a bishop in June 2014. Nancy is co-pastor of Brownsburg Inclusive Catholic Community in Brownsburg, Indiana. It is a Eucharistic Community that practices all sacraments for all peoples. It is inclusive of everyone as we reach out to all, no exclusions. The strong community spirit is evident as we strive to live the gospel message of love, justice and inclusion. Nancy participates in the Women Priest’s community in the Indianapolis area as well. She is a spiritual director with a Master’s in Spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and a B.S. in Biology from Marian University. She also holds certificates in Theological Studies from Washington Theological Union and in Pastoral Family Life from the University of Mount St. Joseph. For 25 years, Nancy served as a pastoral associate in a Roman Catholic parish, where she worked with RCIA, marriage preparation, women’s spirituality, outreach, and refugees, especially those from Sudan. As a Sister of St. Francis, she taught in secondary schools and served as vocation-formation director. She is bishop emerita of the Midwest region.
Professional Title: Bishop Emerita
Location: Brownsburg, Indiana, USA
Ordained Deacon: 2009
Ordained Priest: 2010
Ordained Bishop: 2014
Community: Brownsburg Inclusive Catholic Community
Community Contact: binclusivecatholiccommunity.org
Meeting Format: Both (In person and zoom)
Click on each member’s name to access their biography and additional information.
Having retired as regional bishop in 2017, Olivia is serving as a temporary liaison person to the RCWP-USA National Bishops’ Circle until such time as her region is able to elect a new presiding bishop. In the past,she served her region not only as Bishop, but also as Administrator, and Program Coordinator. She holds an MA in Theology from Regis University, Denver. She has been married to Slavo Doko.for 63 years, is the mother of two sons and the grandmother of three grandsons.
Professional Title: Olivia Doko, MA – Bishop Emerit
Location: Pismo Beach, California, USA
Ordained Deacon: 2006 | Ordained Priest: 2006
Ordained Bishop: 2010
Community Contact: merlene.doko68@gmail.com
Claudia Nora Adamson (Great Waters)
Maureen Andrew (Eastern Region)
Judy Beaumont (Eastern Region)
Beverly Bingle (Great Waters)
Ruth Broeski (Western Region)
Janine Denomme (Great Waters)
Patricia Fresen (Bishop, mother of the RCWP-USA movement)
Claire Gareau (Eastern Region)
Alta Jacko (Great Waters)
Marybeth McBryan (Great Waters)
Regina Nicolosi (Midwest and Western Regions)
Kathleen Nuccio (Midwest Region, support member)
Josie Petermeier (Midwest Region)
Mary Ann Schoettly (Eastern Region)
Ann Searing (Eastern Region)
Catherine Shinn (Great Waters)
Rod Stephens (Holy Margins)
Mary Styne (Midwest Region)
Dick West (Midwest Region, support member)
Mary Qin P (Eastern Region)
Every Ministry and Worshipping Community convened by a RCWP member operates separately and independently from Roman Catholic Womenpriests-USA, Inc. RCWP-USA, Inc. disclaims any responsibility for the operation of these ministries. The biographical information and descriptions of the ministries are for informational purposes only. This website also contains links to third party sites. Such links do not constitute or imply an endorsement and/or sponsorship by RCWP-USA, Inc. RCWP-USA, Inc. is not responsible for such third party websites and is not liable for the contents therein.
Across continents and communities, womenpriests and members are celebrating sacraments, building inclusive parishes, and advocating for equality.
These are stories of courage, community, and commitment.
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