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Witnesses
Fr. Theodore K. Cassidy, S.M.
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 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
“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.”   
Nina Laubach
Student, MDiv program at Princeton Theological Seminary

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