Keith Davis - Discerning Deacons

Witnesses

Keith Davis

Director of Deacon Formation (Archdiocese of Santa Fe) and National Association of Lay Ministry Board Member

February 8, 2022

The restoration of women to the permanent diaconate is long overdue. Women make up the majority of (lay) ministers in the Church and it is time for their ministry to be fully embraced. I am hopeful that the opening up of the ministries of acolyte and lector to women as installed ministers as well as the creation of the new installed ministry of catechist will lead to greater recognition of the role of women in ministerial roles. But this is not enough. It is time to open up the permanent diaconate to all who are qualified regardless of gender. The Church needs this witness.

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Endorser

“I have worked alongside many lay and religious women in my ministry who have exhibited outstanding ability for ministry. Many have taught me by their example how to be a more effective minister, and by their instruction, helped me to grow in this role…It’s time that the Church gets in step with society and recognizes the equality of women in the workplace. Women are as capable as men in the work of ministry, and have demonstrated the same equality in scholarship, skills and education as men.”

Fr. Joseph A. Genito, O.S.A

Pastor, St. Thomas of Villanova Parish, Philadelphia, PA

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Witness

“If there were women deacons in my parish, lay women would relate in a deep and meaningful way to deacons who look, act, speak and feel more like themselves…Though I am an unlikely choice to wear the alb and stole, I have a deep commitment to service in Christ’s name and I try to live it every day. Any need that arises, I am ready to shoulder it, though some needs of our sisters and brothers would be well- or better-served by a woman’s different compassion.”

Deacon Bill Zapcic

Parish Deacon and Homilist, Retired Journalist, Tinton Falls, NJ

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Endorser

“Not only is ordaining women as deacons a restoration of the dynamism of the early Church, it is a matter of justice!”

Fr. Stephen P Newton, CSC

Executive Director, Association of US Catholic Priests, Notre Dame, IN

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