Author: Casey Stanton

Implementing Synod outcomes – what is ours to do?

Discerning Deacons recently gathered together with board members and several dedicated leaders at St. John’s Abbey Guesthouse in Collegeville, Minnesota for a few days of prayer, reflection, and visioning. We were pleased to see pages of the hand-written and hand-illuminated Saint John’s Bible and to be reminded of the collaborative efforts of St. Benedict and […]

Striving to be angels of hope

This week marked the 33rd World Day of Prayer for the Sick.  I was not aware of this particular Commemoration – but I’m grateful for our pastor mentioning it at Mass this Sunday as it led me to Pope Francis’ message for the occasion, titled “Hope does not disappoint (Rom 5:5) but strengthens us in […]

We do belong to one another

On November 16, we observed the anniversary of the assassination of six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper, and her daughter at El Salvador’s University of Central America (UCA). Under the leadership of UCA president Fr. Ignacio Ellacuría, SJ, who was among those killed that night, the university had become a bastion of vocal opposition to the […]

Calling on women of courage and confidence

About a month ago my DD colleagues Anna Robertson and Lisa Amman each texted me at the end of the same day, saying how they went down a rabbit hole studying the women of the Colonnade on St. Peter’s Square in Rome in preparation for an upcoming activity with college students. Their messages were animated: […]

St. Phoebe inspires creative and hope-filled celebrations

Throughout September, Catholics at more than 130 parishes, schools, universities, and Catholic institutions in the U.S. and beyond are growing the awareness of St. Phoebe and lifting up women’s voices as we share our experience of God’s love in our midst.  As creative witnesses and reflections are pouring in we’ll share some highlights with you […]

Stewarding ancient trees and traditions

Our DD team of five gathered in Seattle last week for our first in-person meeting since January.  It was my first time in that part of our country. The mountain ranges, the cool lakes, the blackberries on demand, and the crisp (nearly mosquito free!) air made for a nourishing setting for us to breathe and […]

Initial Response to the Instrumentum Laboris

July 10, 2024 My son, Teddy, turned ten yesterday. We celebrated with ice cream sundaes and a family game night. We reviewed old photos and videos. Now that Oscar Francis (8 months old already!) is crawling all over, I can appreciate in a whole new light the lightning pace of growth and development that a […]

(Still) dreaming dreams about the diaconate

A few months ago I authored a reflection titled, “The Pope is “…very much in favor of a female diaconate.” So imagine my surprise (shock/sadness/anger) as I watched Pope Francis seem to undermine his own synodal process when he indicated in an interview with 60 Minutes reporter Norah O’Donnell – that “no” a girl cannot dream […]

The Pope is “…very much in favor of the female diaconate”

You read it correctly! Pope Francis, according to Sr. Linda Pocher, is “very much in favor of the female diaconate.” Last week Pope Francis sought counsel from three wise women: Sr. Linda Pocher, a theologian and expert on Marian-Petrine matters; Giuliva Di Berardino, a liturgist, educator, and consecrated virgin from Italy; and Rev. Jo Bailey […]

Baptism anoints us with the power to do good

This week we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord, the first of the Luminous Mysteries. I contemplate this mystery, turning it over in my mind as the beads twirl in my hand: What difference does Jesus’ baptism make? This moment when God anoints “Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power.” (Acts 10:38) It’s the beginning of Jesus’ […]