As an ordained priest for 43 years, I have had the privilege of collaborating with hundreds of women who serve the Church as parish staff members or committed lay volunteers. I have also served with several women religious. The ministry these women so generously offer is diaconal at it’s heart. Besides being compassionate ministers of charity, many of these women have been outstanding in their ability to break open the word of God, and preside at appropriate liturgical celebrations in their communities.

The time is right, and frankly, long overdue for the pastoral leadership of these women to be acknowledged through their ordination as deacons in the Church. The current ordained ministry of the Church is increasingly impoverished by the absence of women serving in this official capacity. While the question of ordination is discussed in the worldwide Church, I am presently open to identifying and supporting women with the gifts to preach, teach and sanctify in the life of our faith communities. I am grateful for all the ways Discerning Deacons is encouraging this movement which I believe is of the Holy Spirit.