We are, all of us, created in God’s image. Therefore, the engagement and participation of women in all aspects of church life are necessary for the fullest expression of God’s loving action and presence. 

In my experiences of church, women do the majority of the work on a daily basis, yet our lives are not reflected in the liturgical leadership at worship. Women are not fully represented in the homilies preached. Women’s unique experiences are not often incorporated in the official words and actions of Church leaders. Ordaining women as deacons would remedy these deficits and would enrich the pastoral, liturgical, and prophetic witness of the Church.

As Gandhi encouraged his followers to “be the change you wish to see in the world,” the discernment of women’s ordination to the diaconate is an effort to be the change we wish to see in the Roman Catholic Church. As the Bible reminds us, without a vision, the people perish. This mission enables and empowers participants to bring the vision of women deacons into reality. 

I believe that one of the hallmarks of authentic vocation is confirmation and affirmation from the community. I have been blessed throughout my years of ministry to serve alongside others who recognized, acknowledged, and affirmed my gifts and skills to minister. I understand that ministerial leadership can and should be mutual and reciprocal whenever possible within the context of community. I think that diaconal ministry is uniquely poised to model mutuality and reciprocity, eschewing hierarchy and clericalism.

Ordination as a deacon would make “official” a ministry that has been offered and shared over many years. While not essential nor necessary for my vocational identity, diaconal ordination would be a sign that the Catholic Church recognizes the sin of sexism and would be a movement toward a fuller embodiment of the Gospel values of justice and equality.  

Loving and guiding Spirit of God, you have called forth women in the church to live out their baptisms through ministerial leadership. Enlighten the minds and soften the hearts of Church leaders to open wide the doors of diaconal service so that all of God’s people may enjoy the gifts and ministries of Word, Charity, and Liturgy, which women are prayerfully prepared to offer.