What to expect*

  • While our struggle is long, we believe in cultivating joy and celebrating the graces we have received along the way.

  • … in its fullness, meeting our founders and leaders throughout the decades, as well as curious first-timers, activists, theologians, church workers, women priests, teachers, and more.

  • We’ll offer workshops and presentations to build practical skills from communications and media work, to how to teach women’s ordination, or how to advocate for greater roles for women within your parish.

  • Experience feminist, womanist, mujerista and trans theologies in action through compelling keynotes and table conversations.

  • Participate in women-centered liturgies and prayer services; experience women preaching and leading in an inclusive way.

Register

Schedule

Friday, MAy 22, 2026

  • 5 p.m. Welcome! Opening Liturgy of Remembrance

  • 5:45 p.m. Keynote address from Natalia Imperatori-Lee:
    Deep Roots, Emerging Blossoms: Lessons from 50 years of Feminist Advocacy in WOC

  • 6:45 - 9 p.m. Gathering & networking at Marygrove

Schedule details

Saturday, May 23, 2026

Saturday is a full day of keynote speakers, workshops, prayer, and connecting. In the evening we will celebrate with a reception.

Workshop Information

Sunday, May 24, 2026

  • 8:30 a.m. Opening Prayer

  • 9 a.m. Wisdom Circle: What have we heard? What is our charge?

  • 10:00 Final remarks from WOC followed by coffee and movement break

  • 11:00 Pentecost Liturgy with Nontado Hadebe as our homilist

  • 12 p.m. Conference concludes!

Westin Southfield

You’re encouraged to book your stay at the Westin Southfield Hotel, where WOC has a discounted room block for just $149/night + free parking. The Westin Southfield Detroit is ADA compliant and offers accessible rooms and amenities.

Book

MaryGrove Conservancy

The conference will take place at Marygrove Conservancy, a direct descendant of Monroe’s St. Mary Academy, established by the IHM Sisters in 1846. Marygrove College – prior to its closure at the end of 2019 – had a 92-year history of service to this neighborhood and a longstanding commitment to social justice.

Explore Marygrove

The Atrium

On Saturday evening, we will gather for a reception at The Atrium, a space connected to the Westin Southfield Hotel. This will be a beautiful celebration of WOC and the perfect space to connect, relax, and enjoy! The “gala” reception is included in your registration!

Featured Speakers

Featured Speakers

  • Dr. Natalia Imperatori-Lee is Associate Professor of Systematics with a focus on ecclesiology, feminist theologies, and Latinx theologies at Fordham University.

  • Dr. Teresa Delgado is Dean of St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor of theology and religious studies at St. John’s University.

  • Dr. Nontando Hadebe is an African Catholic woman feminist theologian based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

FAQs

  • The registration includes all conference programming, meals and breaks (Friday evening - Sunday morning), including a Saturday evening reception! WOC is also providing transportation from the conference hotel (Westin Southfield) to the conference venue (Marygrove Conservancy).

  • The conference will take place at Marygrove Conservancy. Established in 2018, the Marygrove Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that manages operations and stewards a 53-acre campus in northwest Detroit, the site of the former Marygrove College which operated from 1905 until 2019.

  • Conference attendees are encouraged to book their stay at the Westin Southfield Hotel. The special rate is $149/night which includes free parking!

  • This conference is an opportunity to be part of the movement for women’s ordination! We hope you feel empowered, connected, and energized by attending this conference.

  • Catholics who are ready to see women ordained in the Roman Catholic Church! You don’t have to be an activist or a long-time member of WOC. All are welcome to join at this important time!

  • Please plan to be in Detroit by Friday early evening for the start of the conference.

    Friday evening: Gathering celebration

    Saturday: Keynote speakers, workshops, prayer, and connecting

    Sunday: Pentecost liturgy and closing, ending at 12 noon.

  • We understand that for some people, attending the conference may put employment or parish involvement at risk, or you may simply have privacy concerns about your photo being taken. We will have stickers available to place on conference badges to note that you do not want to be in conference photographs (no reason necessary).

  • If you have purchased a ticket and need to cancel, please contact woc@womensordination.org with your ticket information.

See you at the *Women’s Ordination Conference*

Register!