Share
Witnesses
Deacon William T. Ditewig, Ph.D.
Former executive director, Secretariat for the Diaconate, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
April 26, 2021
“For years, the Church has been researching and discerning the role of women in the diaconate. As soon as St. Paul VI renewed the diaconate in 1967, the question was raised by bishops, and those discussions have continued under every pope since. Pope Francis has intensified the process through two Papal Commissions. Discerning Deacons is supporting the Church’s discernment in a prayerful way, much like the early ‘deacon circles’ that led to the renewal of the diaconate at Vatican II.”
“
Witness
“I felt seen in my call to pastoral care, to teaching, to preaching—just as clearly as my ordained colleagues are seen in theirs. I felt valued. Not invisible. Not dismissed. I don’t know what the future holds—for me, or for the role of women in the Church. But I know this: I have hope.”
Jolaine M.J. Liupakka, PMin
Coordinator of Middle School & Confirmation, St. Thomas Becket, Eagan, MN
“
Witness
“If I were a deacon, I would have the support of other deacons and a community where I could draw strength through prayer and discernment. Women would have the privilege of speaking about Catholic social teaching from the ambo. I do believe women as deacons would renew the face of the Church.”
Beth Brinkmann Cianci
Volunteer with the Ignatian Spirituality Project, Boston, MA
“
Organization
“We are happy to be able to share about women in the Church who lead and are heard, especially for the youngest amongst us who need to hear this message.”
South Seattle Parish Family
Seattle, WA
Receive Our Newsletter
This is the hub where we share relevant news, events and opportunities to participate in the work.
*We will send the newsletter only once each week, and we will never share or sell your information.