Cultivating Catholic Feminism | The Catholic Woman
3 Seasons
“In transforming culture so that it supports life, women occupy a place, in thought and action, which is unique and decisive. It depends on them to promote a ‘new feminism’ which rejects the temptation of imitating models of ‘male domination’, in order to acknowledge and affirm the true genius of women in every aspect of the life of society, and overcome all discrimination, violence, and exploitation.”— Pope Saint John Paul II Cultivating Catholic Feminism was created as a response to John Paul II's call for women to bring forth a new feminism. How, then, would such a feminism both dialogue with and meaningfully differ from secular feminism? That is the focus of this video series, which explores, in three parts, the rich theological vision of the Church, Catholic feminism in life and culture, and the call to live it out. The program consists of 21 video lessons – written and presented by professor and writer Abigail Favale, Ph.D. – with five documentary shorts featuring the stories of Samantha Povlock, Shannon Ochoa, Justina Kopp, Krista Corbello, and Sister Josephine Garrett, CSFN, woven throughout. Download our free student guide for journaling prompts and prayers to accompany you through the series. Please note: this series is intended for adults, as it occasionally touches upon topics that may be considered too mature for children. Cultivating Catholic Feminism is produced by The Catholic Woman. Visit TheCatholicWoman.com to find our book and to explore our letter series and documentaries that illustrate the multifaceted face and story of the Catholic woman today. This program was made possible by our generous sponsors: The GIVEN Institute, The McGrath Institute for Church Life, and Louisiana Right to Life.
-
What is Gender | Cultivating Catholic Feminism | Episode 10
Episode 1
In this video lesson, Dr. Abigail Favale sketches out the Catholic vision of gender in relation to secular interpretations.
-
The Sacramentality of the Body | Cultivating Catholic Feminism | Episode 11
Episode 2
In this video lesson. Dr. Abigail Favale describes how the Catholic sacramental vision of gender differs from certain Protestant frameworks. Favale then considers some of the more controversial scripture passages on the role of women, in light of this vision.
-
Purity Culture | Cultivating Catholic Feminism | Episode 12
Episode 3
In this video lesson, Dr. Abigail Favale critiques “purity culture” and describes the true nature of purity from a Catholic perspective.
-
Making Sense of Toxic Masculinity and Femininity | Cultivating Catholic Feminism | Episode 13
Episode 4
In this video lesson. Dr. Abigail Favale connects toxic masculinity (and toxic femininity) to the Catholic conception of original sin.
-
A Eucharistic Life: Justina’s Story | Cultivating Catholic Feminism | Episode 14
Episode 5
This documentary short shares the story of Justina Kopp. In this video, Justina describes how her experiences growing up in a Gospel-centered, mission-oriented family shaped her sense of Catholic feminism as a woman, wife, and mother.
-
Mary as the Icon of the New Feminism | Cultivating Catholic Feminism | Episode 15
Episode 6
In this video lesson, Dr. Abigail Favale highlights and describes the role of Mary – our model, protector and advocate, and mother – in relation to a faithful Catholic feminism.
-
A Different Kind of Complementarity | Cultivating Catholic Feminism | Episode 16
Episode 7
In this video lesson, Dr. Abigail Favale describes three predominant theories of gender relations, and explains how the Catholic vision of complementarity differs from and transcends other kinds of complementariness.
-
A Catholic Feminist Perspective on Contraception | Cultivating Catholic Feminism | Episode 17
Episode 8
In this video lesson, Dr. Abigail Favale explains the Church’s teaching on contraception from a Catholic feminist perspective.
-
The Feminine Genius and Rethinking Gender Roles | Cultivating Catholic Feminism | Episode 18
Episode 9
In this video lesson, Dr. Abigail Favale addresses questions on gender roles and vocational paths, from a Catholic feminist framework.
-
All Are Called to Say Yes to Life | Cultivating Catholic Feminism | Episode 19
Episode 10
In this video lesson, Dr. Abigail Favale explains how Catholic feminism can contribute to cultivating a culture of life.
-
The Culture of Life: Krista’s Story | Cultivating Catholic Feminism | Episode 20
Episode 11
This documentary short shares the story of Krista Corbello. In this video, Krista describes how she has come to use her gifts to build a culture of life, as a pro-life speaker, activist, and artist.
Special thanks to Notre Dame Seminary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, and St Patrick’s Church in ...
-
Women and the Priesthood | Cultivating Catholic Feminism | Episode 21
Episode 12
In this video lesson, Dr. Abigail Favale addresses the question of why participation in the ministerial priesthood is limited only to men.
-
Why Call God “Father"? | Cultivating Catholic Feminism | Episode 22
Episode 13
In this video lesson, Dr. Abigail Favale explains why using paternal language to speak of God is central to the Christian tradition.