A note from Luke Hansen

Dear friends of Discerning Deacons,

I’m writing today to let you know that I’m in the process of shifting from a full-time position on the leadership team to a volunteer support role with Discerning Deacons. Beginning next month, I’m returning to full-time ministry in a school setting, where I’ll have the opportunity to again accompany young people in the areas of spirituality, social justice and vocational discernment.

I share this news with both sadness and joy in my heart. What can I say about a project, a leadership team and an emerging team of leaders that have moved my heart so deeply over the past seven months? Our collective work together is helping strengthen and renew the Church we love! There is so much at stake. Not only will women as deacons make a profound difference in our communities and our world, but each of us is finding our voice and discovering the powerful ways God is calling us.

The project is in very good hands with our leadership team — Casey, Ellie and Lisa. You’ve undoubtedly witnessed their incredible vision, joy, organization and empowerment of others.

My collaboration with this outstanding team goes back a couple years, as we’ve worked together on parish talks, discernment workshops, and last year’s Phoebe Day celebration. Though in a different capacity, I look forward to continuing to bring my experiences and gifts to Discerning Deacons as another virtual celebration of St. Phoebe is on the horizon and as we plan our delegation to Rome to bring the fruits of our discernment to church leaders there.

Today I’m starting my annual retreat. My last day on the leadership team is August 6. A week later, I’ll return to full-time ministry with students. And I look forward to being with you when we celebrate the Feast of St. Phoebe together on September 3!

With heartfelt gratitude to all of you, and with prayers for our work in the Church,

Luke

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Endorser

“I have worked alongside many lay and religious women in my ministry who have exhibited outstanding ability for ministry. Many have taught me by their example how to be a more effective minister, and by their instruction, helped me to grow in this role…It’s time that the Church gets in step with society and recognizes the equality of women in the workplace. Women are as capable as men in the work of ministry, and have demonstrated the same equality in scholarship, skills and education as men.”

Fr. Joseph A. Genito, O.S.A

Pastor, St. Thomas of Villanova Parish, Philadelphia, PA

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Witness

“If there were women deacons in my parish, lay women would relate in a deep and meaningful way to deacons who look, act, speak and feel more like themselves…Though I am an unlikely choice to wear the alb and stole, I have a deep commitment to service in Christ’s name and I try to live it every day. Any need that arises, I am ready to shoulder it, though some needs of our sisters and brothers would be well- or better-served by a woman’s different compassion.”

Deacon Bill Zapcic

Parish Deacon and Homilist, Retired Journalist, Tinton Falls, NJ

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Endorser

“Not only is ordaining women as deacons a restoration of the dynamism of the early Church, it is a matter of justice!”

Fr. Stephen P Newton, CSC

Executive Director, Association of US Catholic Priests, Notre Dame, IN

A note from Luke Hansen

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