I currently minister to homeless women in Boston. I lead retreats and spiritual reflection groups for women who are unhoused and working on their sobriety. As I enter these spaces weekly, I am aware of the enormity of this work due to the many systems that have failed, and the disconnect from the Church I feel. I do not have the Church’s blessing nor sense of community that men receive as deacons, simply because I am a woman.

At my church, I notice the homilies are very individualistic centered and not about community. It is shocking to realize that all homilies in Church are only from men. I believe we are the poorer for it. I often wonder what riches of the Spirit we are missing because the other half of the Body of Christ can not speak to us from the ambos of our churches.

I believe the Body of Christ is ever changing and providing for its people based on its needs. I cannot say I know what God wants, but I have faith we, Discerning Deacons, are being called to witness to God's people. I do believe that women as deacons would bring about a deep renewal in the Church and that that renewal is deeply needed.

From an early age I heard God's call to me. My mother would say I was born fighting social injustice. I am a cradle Catholic and my strong faith comes from my mother and her mother. No one else in my whole family was Catholic. Of my four grandparents, only one was Catholic, and my father was not Catholic. Today, they would be called “nones.” They were all extremely good people whose values and actions I strive to live up to. Maybe because I grew up around people who lived out Gospel values but did not adhere to a specific faith tradition, I know and trust that God works in many different ways. That call I have heard from a young age still flows like a river through my heart and my soul.

If I were a deacon, I would have the support of other deacons and a community where I could draw strength through prayer and discernment.  Women would have the privilege of speaking about Catholic social teaching from the ambo. I do believe women as deacons would renew the face of the Church.

Loving God, guide our steps today. Keep our hearts open to your everlasting love for us. Guide our leaders and decision makers as well as those ministering to your people as we continue the goals of a synodal church. Help us to not become discouraged, but rather inspired by all the people around us striving to do your will. Amen.