I am retired presently, but I was originally a deacon in the Anglican Church of Canada before I converted to the Catholic Church later in life. Based on my experiences as a deacon in the Anglican Church, I want to support and pray for the restoration of the diaconate in the Catholic Church, and for women’s inclusion in these roles. I was blessed to have been ordained a deacon in 1978, and I feel that I am ready to share the graces of the ministry with others in the Catholic Church.

God calls women to serve in our communities to use them in unique ways based on their gifts, talents and charism. For example, I have felt the call from God throughout my life to provide pastoral care as a chaplain in various hospitals and prisons, as well as in liturgical ministry.

St. Phoebe is our example on this journey, and Discerning Deacons represents the way that Jesus included women within his ministry. I am proud to embrace St. Phoebe’s intercession in my own life. Phoebe was my Confirmation name, and throughout my life, I have always prayed for her guidance. In particular, recently I have been praying for her direction regarding my involvement in my local parish’s bereavement ministry. I also consider her my companion on my journey as the assistant chaplain at the retirement home where I reside. In this position, I am delighted to assist with liturgies, bible studies and support community pastoral care efforts.

If God can use me as God has throughout my life, He can certainly call more gifted women to serve in the Catholic Church!  We ought to follow the example of Jesus, and of Paul in his inclusion of Phoebe in his ministry, and wholeheartedly welcome women into diaconal ministry.

My experience and ministry has certainly embodied the gifts that women can bring to the Church. I pray that God will inspire the hearts of Church leaders to open the door for women to serve in Catholic diaconal ministry. I have always felt like God equips us with the gifts we need along our journey as we need. This has certainly been true throughout my life, which I am so deeply grateful for. I always say, it’s not me, it has to be God!