It has been long known that in Church history, women played active roles. Along the way, that changed, not because of anything Jesus said in his time, but because of patriarchal tradition in the Catholic Church. I hope the Church ordains women to the diaconate because it is the right thing to do to restore vocational equity and equality. God would not call women to this ministry if it weren’t God’s will.

To have women deacons in any of the environments where I serve would allow for better collaboration between the voice of men and women at the pulpit, more opportunities for sacramental celebrations where there is a current shortage of clergy available, and a representation for young women who feel a call to ordained life.

Discerning Deacons’ mission is crucial in the life of the Church because it will allow women to discern God’s will for their life with more freedom and for the Church to take the necessary steps towards equality for men and women in leadership.

I am a Benedictine Oblate (Third Order). Originally, I felt a call to priesthood when I was a child, but as I grew up (adopted and raised by two women), I found myself at odds with Church teaching around who was allowed to do certain things based on if they were a man or woman. Therefore, with somewhat great pain, as I was discerning the direction of my life vocationally, God and I really had to wrestle for years. I wondered what else I could do. I could not stand the idea of looking out on any crowd and knowing there are women who felt the same call as me, but are told “no” because of our misguided traditions.

If I were ordained a deacon, it would only be because I have accepted a call to a vocation that is equally accessible to women.

Loving God, you give us life and we are meant to live it to its fullest in service of our siblings. May your Holy Spirit pour forth wisdom over the church and open our eyes and hearts to know what we need to do to bring about your kingdom. May we lift the role of women in our Church and restore their rightful place in all ranks of leadership, the sacramental life of the Church, and in all spaces of decision-making. With You, Holy Spirit, our guide and through Christ, our Brother, Amen.