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Witnesses
Fr. Theodore K. Cassidy, S.M.
Campus Minister, University of Dayton
July 16, 2021

“I am very pleased to see the Church, through Pope Francis and the Commission he has established, investigate in an open way the diaconate for women. In this matter, as in all the important issues we face, the Church will grow as we discern together with an openness to the Holy Spirit. I strongly support the recognition of women as deacons. It is part of our history. There is a vital need to amend canon law to give women official recognition for their roles in the ministries of the Church. I encourage members of the Church to have open minds and hearts so we are able to grow in unity, strength and effectiveness as the Church of Jesus following the Holy Spirit in this matter. This is very important for the future of our Church.”

Fr. Theodore K. Cassidy, S.M., is a member of the Society of Mary (Marianists) and a campus minister at the University of Dayton.
Witness
“I have been blessed with women who have shared their many gifts with me. They have broken open Scripture for the people of God with their own perspective and insight. They have shown ways of leading which empower and confirm the value of each individual person. They have offered perspectives and visions of the Spirit’s call to live God’s love for all.”
Don Highberger, SJ
University Campus Minister and Hospital Pastoral Minister, St. Louis, MO
Witness
“If I could be ordained a deacon, the people would hear the Good News preached with authority at the pulpit and in the world. For me personally, it would feel like the ability to serve in the manner in which God has put on my heart to serve. As a minister of the word, liturgy and charity, I would preach the word to inspire others to love God and their neighbor. I would continue to bring communion to the sick and imprisoned, but I would also free our priests by taking on some baptisms, weddings, and funeral services that are outside of the Mass. It would feel like the fullness of what I was meant to do.”
Theresa Shepherd-Lukasik
Director of Adult Faith Formation, St. Joseph Parish, Seattle, WA
Witness
“And when I get antsy waiting, as I often do, I remember the women I met who showed me that the ‘not yet’ is an “already.” Women deacons have existed and continue to exist. Someday, I may be one of them.“
Julia D’Agostino, MDiv
Theology Student, ThM Candidate

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