Elizabeth A. Donnelly
“Restoring women to the diaconate would enable many more Catholic communities around the world to be nourished by gifted women breaking open the Word.”
Archives: Witness
Nicole Perone
“This intentional, discerning initiative is a great offering of love, fidelity and trust in the wisdom of the Spirit, which gives me hope. The Church finds itself in a moment of tremendous opportunity to provide prophetic witness to young people of the embracing of vocation and God-given gifts.”
Will Rutt
“Denying the vocation of the diaconate to women is a choice rooted in scarcity and fear that hurts the entire Church and robs each of us of gifts that women have to offer. I look forward to this pivotal step towards a more inclusive and empowered community that allows for the full human flourishing of each person.”
Sr. Mary Pat Murphy, O.P.
“Women Deacons have had a significant role in the history of the Catholic. I support the current study of Women Deacons as we continue to live out the mission of the Second Vatican Council and the role of women in the Catholic Church.”
Fr. Jacek Orzechowski, O.F.M.
“The project’s mission is important because it expresses our love and care for the Church and her mission in the world.”
Anna Nussbaum Keating
“Our faith is sacramental. A strong permanent diaconate strengthens parishes and ensures access to the sacraments. Women should be trained as deacons without delay to ensure that no parish is underserved. We have prayed for an increase in vocations. God has answered our prayers.”
Deborah Rose-Milavec
“Around the world, there is no question that women are already ministering as deacons in the Catholic Church. Their rich gifts deserve both honor and the same sacramental grace as their brother deacons.”
Fr. Jude Siciliano, O.P.
“Mary Magdalene was the first to proclaim Jesus’ resurrection. The role of the deacon is to preach and care for the needy. Women already do this in many ways in our church communities, and that needs to be officially acknowledged by ordaining women to the diaconate.”
Fr. Gregory J. Boyle, S.J.
“This movement toward acknowledging the role of women in the Church is essential.”
Deacon Greg Kandra
“Pope Francis has invited the Church to explore the question of women deacons — and I believe Discerning Deacons is an important, prayerful and faithful addition to this exploration. With humility, intelligence and fidelity, this group is seeking to discern God’s will, wherever that may lead. I admire their spirit. I’m praying with them and for them, and hope more people will, too!”