September 24, 2011 was an extraordinary day for Brigid's Circle in the greater Seattle area. People of diverse Catholic expressions, and several different Christian denominations, as well as two other faith traditions, came together to ordain Eileen Knoff  as a minister in the priestly service of Christ's church. The people's spiritual gifts and human talents were also blessed. This event was done in affiliation and with the affirmation of the Progressive Christian Alliance.  (photos by Eric Floodeen)

Mary Kay Krause, spiritual director, on Eileen's left, and Theresa Gallant, a development officer, (right) covenanted with Eileen to collaborate  as leaders of the local Brigid's Circle community. 

Many of those present had spent much of their lives in the traditional Roman Catholic Church. They were taking a step toward choosing and blessing their own spiritual leader, a move called prophetic by one of the speakers at the gathering. Below Jackie Huetter lays hands on Eileen.

 Seated behind Eileen and Jackie is Jackie's spouse, M.J. Huetter, part of the financial team of Holy Wisdom Inclusive Catholic community in Olympia, Washington. Behind M.J. Is Chaplain Pat Wiedower of Mary Magdalene Apostle Catholic Community from San Diego, Ca., and behind her is Rev. David Gerardot, one of the co-pastors of Emmaus Ecumenical Catholic Community of Olympia, Washington.

The stole placed on Eileen (below) bearing a pattern called River of Life, was a gift from long-time friend Dr. Maxine Hetherington, and fashioned by WomanSpirit, a maker of women's clergywear in Kansas City. Maxine and Eileen's spouse, Stephen, placed the stole on Eileen. Eileen chose green as the color for her ordination for its Celtic connection and for its symbolism of the Life of the Divine, or what medieval mystic Hildegarde von Bingen called "greening power." The vest Eileen wore was made by a company called Celtic Moonlighting, and  was designed to be a modernized version of medieval women's garb.

Reform-minded Catholics (some whom now refer to themselves as either inclusive or ecumenical Catholics) were joined by Methodists, Presbyterians, evangelicals, Disciples of Christ, a Jew and a Buddhist.  Several of the Christian communities and ministries present co-mingled their oils for the anointing.  Below Rev. Mary Ramerman of the Spiritus Christi Catholic Community in Rochester, New York, adds her community's oils to the mix.

All were welcome at the table! (Below M.J. Huetter and Marilyn Cass, who brought forth the bread and wine for the prayer at the common table.) Seated to the left of the table is Spritual Director Mary Kay Krause who facilitated the prayer.

 More photos can be seen at my Facebook page Eileen Knoff. A video is under development. A number of those present have continued to meet, now monthly, at Church in the Round in Seattle's Lake City neighborhood, in partnership with a number of other church leaders. A July day of reflection is currently being planned by the group. Contact eileenknoff@yahoo.com for further details!