Ordaining women to the diaconate just makes sense from a practical point, and the justifications for not doing so are simply not valid or strong. 

Aside from the practical reasons, seeing women have the role in of deaconess in the Church has a powerful effect on all Catholics, especially young girls. It provides, even on an subconscious level, a sense of full belonging and inclusivity. This reflects Jesus’s own embrace of inclusivity and rejection of exclusivity. 

For many years, I had the privilege of leading Communion services in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In the beginning, I did this with great trepidation, but by the time my ministry ended, I was thoroughly convinced that the Holy Spirit can fill the hearts, souls and minds of faith-filled women every bit as much as those of men.