Why I hope the Church ordains women to the diaconate: At my parish’s mass celebrating graduating seniors in 2013, our pastor used his classic 3-point homily to give 3 of us students a chance to share our experiences of faith with the congregation. I was the only female participant, and I was the “third point.” I got to share about my experiences as a member of our youth group and what servant leadership meant to me. I didn't realize that getting up to preach during the homily as a woman was strange at the time, and I’m glad it didn’t occur to me - then I might have felt more pressure. My childhood parish was a place where I always knew I belonged, from liturgy to CCD and social events. Only once I left did I realize that many people don’t feel that way in their parishes, particularly women. Seeing more women as deacons would help more young people, especially young women, feel a sense of belonging in the Catholic Church.

The differences women deacons would make in my parish: With fewer people called to religious life and sacramental life, women are a much needed source of spiritual guidance and sacramental love.

Why is Discerning Deacons’ mission important? This project doesn't force anyone to change, but invites people to see a beautiful vision of what the Church could be.

My experience of call in community: I've been a church leader since my early days as an altar server in my childhood parish. Altar serving helped me feel connected to the liturgy. I continued as a leader in youth group in high school, as a lector through high school and college, and then as a Catholic school educator and youth minister. I have been given various opportunities to discern my vocation as an ongoing part of my life, whether that means an official church Vocation or simply the way God is calling me to live and serve in the world.

My call to be a deacon: I'm not sure I'm really called to be a deacon, but even the chance to have a platform in front of a parish during mass would be a revelation for folks, especially people who experience gender discrimination. The Church would start to live out a truer version of universality.

My prayer: That Church leaders and the faithful everywhere will recognizing the gifts of all people of faith and encourage them to share their gifts with their communities

Katie Laskey is a member of the Contemplative Leaders in Action DC Cohort