I believe in continuing the work of St. Phoebe who worked alongside the men to complete the mission of bringing people to Christ. Women are the pillars of the faith community and the family who faithfully serve their church and community, and who often bring their families to the Mass.

With the shortage of priests that will continue, having women who are more than willing to step-up to the call to serve the Church will bring more people back to church and to the faith as a whole.

The mission of Discerning Deacons is so important because the progress we make today will have an impact on our young girls in the future. Hopefully one day they will be able to walk in the footsteps of St. Phoebe and fulfill the calling God has given them.

I was not raised Catholic but converted in my adult life. As a child, Mother Mary would appear to me often. In my evangelical upbringing, Mary was only acknowledged during the Christmas season and no other time; it was like she was just an after-thought. I eventually discovered Mother Angelica on EWTN which began my journey of connecting with our Queen of Heaven. I believe Mary appearing to me as a child who knew nothing about the Catholic Church was more than her wanting me to find Christ through the Church. I believe she came to me because I was meant to do more for the Church.

Having any woman able to serve as a deacon would have such a profound and meaningful impact on the little girls who are growing up today and who feel called to ministry. 

My sincere prayer is that we have the patience and strength to keep this movement going, and that those who are in leadership hearts are open and ears are open to our request.