Conference Schedule
Prepare for an energizing weekend with the Women’s Ordination Conference.
You can find a detailed timetable of the weekend linked here, and highlights below! We hope to see you in May!
Friday, May 22nd 2026
We will open our 50th anniversary conference with a liturgy of remembrance and ritual, followed by a keynote address from Natalia Imperatori-Lee.
We will then leave the chapel space at Marygrove College and move into “The Block Party for the People of God” a spirited evening of activities, food, networking, storytelling, and dancing! Detroit’s own “Godmother of House” Stacey Hotwaxx Hale, will be our DJ for the evening!
Saturday, May 23rd
Saturday is the heart of our “working” conference — a time to strategize, skills-build, and make connections to strengthen the movement.
Teresa Delgado
Teresa Delgado, Ph.D., is Dean of St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor of theology and religious studies at St. John’s University, NY and will start our Saturday morning session off with a keynote address.
Dr. Delgado has published on topics ranging from decolonial theology, diversity in higher education, transformational pedagogies, constructive theology and ethics, and justice for racially, ethnically and sexually minoritized persons.
Vocations Panel
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Vocations Panel 〰️
Who are these women?
Faced with institutional barriers, women with a call to ordained ministry must, and do, creatively pursue alternative paths to fulfill their vocation. In this panel, women who have chosen diverse ways to live out their ministry will share their calling, the choices they’ve made to live it out within and outside of the institutional church, the challenges and graces they have faced along the way, and the support they have received (as well as the support they still need).
Jeanette Rodriguez
Jocelyn Sideco
Rebecca MacMaster
Erin Duffy-Burke
Myra Brown
How do Institutions change?
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How do Institutions change? 〰️
Not If, But How: Strategies and Successes for Reforming Institutions
Political and sociological experts will discuss strategies for, and examples of successes of, reforming institutions. There is a strong sense that the women’s ordination movement is on the cusp of making real, tangible change, and this discussion will explore proactive steps supporters can take to make that happen.
Maria Stephen
MIchelle Dillon
Tricia Bruce
*Workshops*
*Workshops*
Women’s Ordination Education
In this workshop, educators and administrators in Catholic and non-Catholic spaces will share their experiences of addressing the role of women in the church in their classrooms, curricula, and workplace. In a collaborative format, this space is meant for sharing ideas, successes, and solutions to the growing challenges in education—and Catholic education—today. With Janet Antico and Tara Tuttle.
Myth-busting and Truth-telling: How to talk about Women’s Ordination 101
The common arguments against women’s ordination rely on repeating myths about the Bible, church history, and theology. In this workshop, we’ll break down those common myths and offer clear, compelling truths to share to replace them. Participants will get the opportunity to practice, role-play and be in conversation with each other to hone their skills. With Lisa Fullam, Miriam Duignan, and Ally Kateusz.
Creating Inclusive Liturgies, Prayers, and Rituals
In this workshop, participants will engage in conversation and skills-sharing about how to create rituals, liturgies and prayers from an intersectional feminist perspective, including the use of inclusive and expansive language, honoring creativity, and highlighting the sacramental nature of the world around us. With Catherine Maresca and Madison McAleese.
Power Mapping the Movement
Eleanor's background spans education, coaching, and creative development. With a strong focus on process and progress, Eleanor helps learners move from where they are to where they want to be—one step at a time. With Deb Rose, John Noble, and Stephanie Hanson-Quintana.
WOC at my parish: What can I do at my parish? What can I do in my faith community?
This session will explore the opportunities available to make women and the conversation about women’s ordination more visible, as well as how to navigate common challenges. For those who feel isolated, stuck, or unsure how to make an impact locally, this workshop will provide resources, best practices, and inspiration to engage more effectively at the local level. With Gerry Rauch and Liz McCloskey.
Ordination Intersections—Emerging Voices
Voices of a new generation of theologians will focus on the ways the overturning of the ban on women’s ordination intersects and ripples outward to affect related issues of justice, including (but not limited to) racial equity, LGBTQ+ equality, and climate justice.
Laurel Marshall Potter
Barb Kozee
Jo Cecilio
Elise Raby
Annie Selak
Awards Dinner
On Saturday evening we will gather at “The Atrium” at the Westin Southfield Hotel for a reception and awards dinner! This will be a fun evening for connection, dancing, and “toasting” 50 years!
Wisdom Circle
A moment to reflection on the collective experience of the conference and the wisdom gleaned from the participants and events. What is our charge?
Leslye Colvin
Joan Sobala
Sunday Liturgy
Our closing liturgy will feature preaching from Nontando Hadebe.
Dr Nontando Hadebe is a woman theologian and a member of The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians and Catholic Women Speak/Preach as well as other organizations working on gender justice. She is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Nontando is also the current International Coordinator of Side by Side; an international faith movement for gender justice that Christian Aid is a global member of.
Register today
This is a not to be missed gathering of like-minded Catholics ready and willing to work for inclusion and justice in the church.