In my life and ministry, I have already acted in the capacity of a deacon as a hospice chaplain for many years. I ministered to the people of God however they needed, including offering sacramental ministry when priests were not available. I did rituals, prayers and pastoral counseling, including at times listening to patient’s confessionals. I felt God had anointed me to do this in the name of the Church, and I know that my ministry brought grace and comfort to those I ministered to. 

If women were able to serve as deacons, it would magnify the grace and love of God and make it more widely available. The mission of Discerning Deacons uplifts and affirms that we are a Church of the people, both men and women. 

I have committed my life in service to the Church and am deeply proud of this mission. I was a contemplative nun for 30 years where I was deeply rooted in the sacred tradition of the Church. I later received my master’s degree in theology from a Catholic university, received accreditation from the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and served as a chaplain in a hospital and in hospice for 25 more years.

Women having the opportunity to serve as deacons would affirm the ministry that women in the Church are already doing, and it would make a profound difference in the life of the Church. 

Mary’s Magnificat

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for God has looked with favor on the lowliness of the Almighty’s servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me,

and holy is God’s name.

God’s mercy is for those who fear God

from generation to generation.

God has shown strength with God’s arm;

God has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

God has brought down the powerful from their thrones,

and lifted up the lowly;

God has filled the hungry with good things,

and sent the rich away empty.

God has helped servant Israel,

in remembrance of God’s mercy,

according to the promise God made to our ancestors,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever.