It would mean so much to me to be able to apply to become a deacon within my own Church. Women can only enliven the diaconate with their female perspective on scripture, bringing a balance back into the Garden, where men and women are the new examples of seeking God together.

A core part of diaconal ministry is the telling of stories, the sharing of scripture from the Old and New Testament. A woman’s perspective would imbue the truth and wisdom of Scripture the Church already shares and teaches. I would love to be a part of this. I already love to sit with the Old and New Testament, with the Divine Office, which prompt me to think and write about how Scripture meets us in our present day experiences.

Restoring the diaconate in my church, to include women, supports the hopes and desires of our whole community where I see a longing for both male and female deacons to serve. As soon as I had the opportunity to become an acolyte, I became one. If I had the opportunity to become a deacon, I similarly would rejoice at the opportunity!

Such an opportunity would deepen my commitment to, and experience of, His Church! It would celebrate my faith as I give my life to Him! I would no longer be floundering alone in the world as a woman with a mission. Opening the diaconate to women would actualise my call to serve in the most concrete way. I would be enfolded by His own.

God, you blessed Anna with the gift of prophecy, Phoebe with the gift of diaconate, Pricilla with the gift of community leadership, Mary Magdalene with the gift of evangelisation, and Mary with the gift of motherhood. Clearly you gifted women in diverse ways and with a deep love of you. Such diversity has been blocked for so long, for all my life. Please help our Church. Let us back in, as we have been gifted by you, and called by you, in the same way you called our female predecessors in such diverse and all-encompassing ways.