I have always felt that I wanted to draw closer to Christ, His church, and show his love when I attend Mass. I know a lot of women who still come to church, even if their husbands and children no longer do. Having an opportunity to discern might be the way that they continue to strengthen their relationship with Christ.

I still want and need to get closer to Christ. When I met Discerning Deacons leaders at the Religious Education Congress booth, the fire of faith stirred within me. Yes, it makes sense for the full diaconate to be restored. Yes, I hope that I can discern and embark on this journey of faith.

I have co-taught a confirmation class with my husband (I stopped when I had my first child) and enjoyed teaching. I also am an extraordinary minister of the Holy Eucharist. I serve as the administrator for our Mexico Mission Scholarship program (where we sponsor students for higher education in La Morita, BC). If I were a deacon, I would be able to fully participate in the spiritual preparation of students for the Sacraments by getting to guide them all the way to the altar. If I go down to Mexico as a deacon, I will be able to carry with me the good wishes of both our parishioners and our church’s clergy with me.

If I were a deacon, I could also share the Good News by preaching at Mass and offering hospitality to the rest of our community. I understand that this would be a long journey and require my family’s support, but my heart is filled with hope and passion when I think about serving the Church as a deacon.

Having women as deacons would help to bring more voices to the altar and show more ways to be involved with the Church for all of its members. Having women as deacons will show that women are different from men (we won’t become priests) but equal to them (our spiritual gifts are also accepted and used).