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Witnesses
Nina Laubach
April 18, 2023

Student, MDiv program at Princeton Theological Seminary, Lawrenceville, NJ

Women deacons were part of the early church. Restoring women to the diaconate today is not a return to ancient times for the sake of titles or tradition; it is a realization that we can worship and minister more faithfully as God’s people when women and men are able to fully share their gifts.  We should not pursue ordination of women to the diaconate simply out of necessity or scarcity but because the fullness of the Church - of who we are called to be as the Body of Christ - has yet to be realized. 

For some, women deacons feel “risky” or “uncertain” as to how our church would change.  St. Phoebe shows us a path of continuity from our ancient community to today’s church. Then and now, women deacons can contribute to a flourishing in our life with Christ.  The Church globally will gain credibility in its capacity to serve across ecclesial, liturgical, and social borders. Challenging the embedded status quo, welcoming new voices, healing division - that doesn’t sound risky...it sounds like Jesus.  

The work of Discerning Deacons is part of the necessary and important work of retelling and reclaiming the Gospel message.  Throughout history, this Gospel has been misheard, misinterpreted, and used to exclude and divide.  But grace upon grace, amidst our brokenness, God continues to call everyone of us - ALL of us - to participate in a Church that is drawn daily towards Christ, towards communion.  

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.   

Creative and Loving God, may we proclaim that the daily bread we offer you is “through your goodness, the fruit of the earth and work of human hands.” May our hands be fully human in your image, men and women doing your work, serving others, and sharing the Gospel. We thank you for all who faithfully discern your call and listen for your voice. Come, send down your spirit, and renew the face of the earth. Amen.

 

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
“Fifty percent of the Church’s voices go unheard from the pulpit. This frustrates the work of the Holy Spirit. The Church is under-served because of it.”
Joe Crotty
Layman, Volunteer with Brother Benno Foundation, Oceanside CA.

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