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Witnesses
M. Therese Lysaught, Ph.D., Theologian
September 20, 2022

"The Second Vatican Council 'threw open the windows of the Church and let the fresh air of the Spirit blow through.' That same Spirit has long called, gifted, and empowered women to minister among and lead God’s people. It is time for the Church to heed the Spirit’s voice, recognizing women’s call to the diaconate and allow the Spirit to restore and renew the Body of Christ so that it may fully live into its identity of missionary discipleship.

For women to serve as deacons in my parish and apostolate would justly recognize the leadership so many women already provide. It would reduce the ministerial burden on our priests. It would capitalize on the theological education and expertise of an increasing number of Catholic women. And it would powerfully evangelize our youth by affirming the Spirit’s call to women and by bringing fresh voices and perspectives to liturgical preaching."

Dr. Lysaught is a Theologian, a Corresponding Member at The Pontifical Academy for Life, and a professor at Loyola University Chicago.

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
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
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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