“[If my parish had women deacons,] the gifts of women would serve to further enrich the vision and ministry of the parish. I served for seven years as a Pastoral Associate. My area of service grew more limited during that time. I had preached at Liturgy and had more classes in Homiletics than the male priests of our Diocese, but my preaching responsibility was stopped due to ‘fear’ of the hierarchy of that time. My role became more limited. As I was leaving the staff, one of the priests told me that he thought that ‘you were able to reach some of our community in a way that the priests could not.’ It is very sad to think that the Church has to date chosen an all male priesthood with more limited numbers that has resulted in parishes closing and more people leaving the Church. We don’t have a shortage of priests as much as we have a shortage of listening to the Holy Spirit. Jesus has told us not to be afraid. I think we very much need the courage of women, who bring unique gifts and vision to the service of the people and the Church.”

Loving God, you have made each person as a unique reflection of you. Give us the faith and courage to include all in the call to Ordination.