In the late twentieth century, women have made great gains politically and professionally, yet U. S. Roman Catholic bishops have failed for nine years to complete a single letter regarding the standing of women in the church. A Catholic woman can be a Supreme Court justice but she cannot be ordained; she can run a city or state but may not make her own reproductive choices without condemnation. Her daughter can play on a co-ed softball team but cannot serve on the altar on Sunday morning. Is it possible, then, to be a feminist and remain Catholic? For Weaver, the answer is yes. Though the words Catholic feminist may seem a contradiction in terms for many women, in Weaver's view they are a challenge to find new sources of spiritual nourishment, for women who are in exodus from the patriarchal church, and for women who feel they are in exile from the church that was once their home, Springs of Water in a Dry Land describes the spiritual options that have always existed for women and provides valuable guidance in keeping both aspects of a Catholic feminist identity | Springs Of Water by Mary Jo Weaver, Paperback | Indigo Chapters