Witnesses
You will be my witnesses.”
(Acts 1:8)
The preparatory process for the Synod of Bishops on the Amazon involved 87,000 people bearing witness to their laments, hopes and dreams for their communities and the Church they love.
At the synod in Rome, bishops repeatedly affirmed that women are already doing the work of deacons in the region, and they asked that this ministry be seen and recognized.
The Synod formally requested to share their “experiences and reflections” with a papal commission on women and the diaconate, and Pope Francis immediately responded, saying:
“I pick up the challenge. A glove has been thrown down. The women have put up a sign: ‘Please listen to us. May we be heard.’ And I pick up that gauntlet.”
Here, we gather to listen to women serving in ministry today who are ready to be received as deacons in the Church. We also share prayers and hopes for our Church’s discernment, as we seek to bear collective witness to the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Filter your results:
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Witness
“I dream of a world where girls and women sitting in pews around the world can feel empowered to follow the Holy Spirit’s call wherever it takes them, including the diaconate.”
Anne Feczko
Nurse Practitioner, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Endorser
“On two occasions, Pope Francis has established commissions to discern the question of women and the diaconate. Now it’s time for all in the Church to do so.”
Fr. James F. Keenan, S.J.
Theologian, Canisius Professor, Boston College
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Endorser
“I’m glad to endorse Discerning Deacons and encourage those seeking meaningful ways to pray and act together on this important question for our time.”
Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M.
Founder, Center for Action and Contemplation
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Witness
“The flock, especially women in need of ministry, would be more effectively shepherded if women were clearly and visibly available as deacons.”
Margaret Rose Byrne
Retired engineer, North Garden, Virginia
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Witness
“We need a wider participation of women in the whole life of the Church. The diaconate would be a great step in the right direction.”
Fr. Thomas Zelinski, O.F.M. Cap.
Preacher, Capuchin Retreat, Washington, Michigan
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Witness
“The time has come to embrace and empower the gifts of women in the leadership, governance and sacramental ministry of the Church.”
Fr. James Casciotti, S.J.
Pastor, St. Ignatius Church, Baltimore, Maryland
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