Throughout my life, I have connected with many folks who care deeply about the mission of the Church. I have met people who remind me of my “why” – why I am Catholic and why I stay. When days are hard, and days can be hard, my community supports me. I am called to do the same. I am called to see those who the Church pushes to the margins. I hope the Catholic Church ordains women to the diaconate because I know women, myself included, who are discerning a vocation to the diaconate and who can see ourselves in this very important ministry.

I was a part of the Discerning Deacons pilgrimage to Rome during the Synod gathering of 2024. It was a great blessing to meet so many women who are already doing diaconal work. The Discerning Deacons community yearned for and prayed for a resounding “Yes!” to come out of the Synod…instead, we got a “not yet.” Without the pilgrimage community, I probably would have heard that “not yet” as a “no.” But because of this community, I was reminded of the Spirit at work. A “not yet” is not a “no.”

But it’s still a hard pill to swallow. And when I get antsy waiting, as I often do, I remember the women I met who showed me that the “not yet” is an “already.” Women deacons have existed and continue to exist. Someday, I may be one of them.