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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Witnesses
Keith Davis
February 8, 2022
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Witness
“[I hope the Church ordains women to the diaconate] to bring a wider witness and expression of God’s life, love, and presence to the people of God. Women’s voices and leadership will heal, encourage and empower the lives of men, women, and children. It will call forth a new understanding of church vocation and enrich Catholic family life.”
Deedee Van Dyke
Catholic Chaplain, Joliet, IL
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Witness
“The first Apostle was a woman, Mary Magdalena. She continues to remain a tower of strength for women in ministry today. If more women were ordained to the diaconate in the Roman Catholic Church, I believe we would have more meaningful and spiritually enriching homilies, and our liturgies would embrace and welcome all to the Eucharistic table.”
Sonja Grace
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Witness
“If I was ordained as a deacon, it would not be a means to an end, but rather it would be a continual invitation to a deeper and broader journey with Christ. Deacons are asked to become outwardly more visible as hands in service to the Church. To respond to such a vocation would be a treasure, a deepening of my inner faith life enriched by the outward experiences of ministry and service. Both the inner and outer journey become a longing to seek and know the Christ we are called to serve.”
Nina Laubach
Student, MDiv program at Princeton Theological Seminary
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