Why Should You Attend the New Feminism Conference?
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| What treasure of truth, what gift of feminine fellowship awaits you at the Diocese of Winona's New Feminism Conference? Register today! |
First of all, it is going to be an inspiring, enlightening,
and exciting day! Over the past few years, since the introduction of the
women’s study program, ENDOW (Educating On the Nature and Dignity Of Women),
women have been coming in large numbers to our events.
The Holy Spirit has been moving in the hearts of the women
of the Diocese of Winona, and it is because of this great response that this
wonderful conference day is a possibility!
Yet, what about the term "new feminism”? Isn't the
Church against "feminism”? It seems the term "feminism” has been
soiled by radical feminism. Women hear "feminism” and they think of
men-haters, bra-burners, abortion-banner-toting, anti-mothering, masculine
women. Yet, did you know that the very first feminists at the turn of the
century and in the early 1900s were all pro-life, pro-women and very
pro-motherhood? Louisa May Alcott, Susan B. Anthony, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell,
Dorothy Day, Dr. Charlotte Denman Lozier, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Mary
Wollstonecraft (just to name a few! the list is extensive!) were all very
pro-life!
It was only during the 1960s and the Sexual Revolution that
women’s equality/ freedom began to be equated with sexual equality and
so-called sexual freedom. That theme has so permeated our culture that it is
the underlying message being pushed through many "woman's issues” even
now. Radical feminism believed women’s bodily femininity was holding her back
in life. So, in their minds, for a woman to be free she must rid herself of
gender. "The pill” was the first step in achieving this. For radical
feminism, equality means sameness. For a woman to be equal to a man she must be
just like a man.
Ah, but this is the point! The point exactly! When Pope St.
John Paul II called for women to promote a "New Feminism,” he saw the
beautiful gift of femininity! He recognized the great need culture had for more
of women’s involvement in leadership roles. He gave womanhood such a high level
of dignity that when he saw the damage radical feminism was doing, he sought to
change direction.
Reading through his Letter to Women and his apostolic letter
On The Dignity and Vocation of Women, you see that he recognizes the
disadvantage women have had in the past, and even in some instances, directly
apologizes for it. He also affirms the great gift women are to the Church and
to the world. Yet, he sees that we must continue to affirm her great dignity so
that she is not slighted yet again. This is why he calls for a "New
Feminism.”
New Feminism promotes equality among men and women not
because we are the same but because we are unique! There can be an equality in
dignity and yet unique in characteristics. Think about different cultures. Is
each culture only equal in dignity when they are exactly the same? For shame!
What would the world be like without authentic Belgium chocolate or Italian
espresso? Or even American hotdogs?
Yet, our current society would have us believe that women
must be just like men in order to be free. They say that we must stop our
fertility, mutilate our bodies, say no to children and that "weaker”
choice of motherhood and then, only then can women be equal to men. The Church
disagrees. Our society knows this, too, and works deliberately to undermine the
Church’s authority in women’s issues, attempting to push the Church to the
peripheral. Yet the truth will win; the truth always wins, because it resonates
in the hearts of women.
This is why we have had packed rooms at all of our events!
This is why women keep asking for more events and more knowledge! You know that
what you have been told doesn’t quite sit right with you, but you don’t know
how to put your finger on it.
This is why you must come join us on November 8! Pope St.
John Paul II said that women’s role in changing society is pivotal and when
women can embrace this new feminism (one that elevates women because of her
femininity not over its destruction), then women will transform society!
Many women don’t even know what the Church actually says
about women; others know, but want to understand it better; and still others
want to know what they can do about it to begin that transformation. Wherever
you are in that spectrum, this New Feminism Conference has what you are looking
for. With a track for teenage girls (junior high on up is invited - bring your
daughters!), and three different tracks for women, you can find the talks that
interest you. And there will be prizes & speakers being flown in just for
you – you are going to love it!
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| Our events are fun, educational and inspiring! Can't wait to see you there! |
Come, spend a day with us in Austin, MN at St. Augustine
Church, and unlock the truth that is burning inside you! You are enough, just
as you are! You are beautiful in your femininity! You are precious because of
your womanhood! God loves you just as you are – you are so beautiful to Him!
Sr. Paul Mary and I cannot wait to see YOU there! Register here: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e9spix9lddaac4af&llr=s5ol9gjab
The registration deadline is October 25! The sooner you
register, the more likely you are able to choose your preferred tracks!
I do hope you can make it!
xo,
Theresa
