Introduction

It has taken many grains to produce this one basket of bread, each loaf unique to its author, but all equally nourishing and transforming. The first seeds were sown when Carol Hogan, a woman who has dedicated herself to becoming a eucharistic woman, chose a seminar on Eucharist to celebrate her Golden Jubilee with the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Each of the editors presented papers that were the first provings of the loaves they offer here today, and the prayer that introduces Anne Elvey’s essay was especially written for the Eucharist celebrated that day. Such was the response to the seminar that the idea of a book took root. Although a critique of established positions is integral to these contributions, the editors envisage this work as participating in what Mary Grey has termed a ‘reconstructive moment’ when ‘key doctrines are re-envisioned, factoring in life experience, dreams and critical reflections of women from diverse contexts’.1