Elizabeth Young rsm, 19 December 2024 Since 2021, when I started this blog, I have been privileged to share deep conversations with people who have been drawn to the ministry of the diaconate. However, a number have been very clearly “not for the blog”. There have been various reasons, but some common ones are: SoContinue reading “The Stories Not Told”
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Bringing my Humanity
Deacon Martin Lewis, 5 December 2024 Martin Lewis is a brand-new deacon, just ordained by Archbishop Mark Coleridge at St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane, on November 16. In some ways, nothing has changed for Deacon Martin. If so-and-so says to him, “Hello, Reverend Martin,” he responds with, “Hello, Reverend So-and-so.” He knows that he is stillContinue reading “Bringing my Humanity”
Speaking our Language: More on the Margins
Deacon Memo Rodrigues and Liliana Rivas, 14 November 2024 Memo Rodriguez was born in Mexico and, when he became involved with the church, he realised it meant more than liturgical ministry – it was also about service. He took part in the youth group’s outreach ministry, which was religious education at an orphanage. Then heContinue reading “Speaking our Language: More on the Margins”
The Final Document and the Diaconate
13 November 2024 I remember Sisters recounting the heady days of Vatican II, when they were filled with anticipation for each new exciting document. Well, we have felt some of the same through the process of the recently-concluded Synod on Synodality. The English-language working translation of the Final Document has just become official. Pope FrancisContinue reading “The Final Document and the Diaconate”
The Quiet Revolution… Joanna Thyer’s Recent Experience and Reflections
9 November 2024 We have been quietly waiting… For the English translation of the Final Document of the recent Synod on Synodality. When it comes, we will be able to share more on its message about the diaconate in general and women’s potential roles. In the meantime, I would love to share an article writtenContinue reading “The Quiet Revolution… Joanna Thyer’s Recent Experience and Reflections”
Reflections on the Discussion on Women Deacons – 15th October, 2024, Rome
Joanna Thyer, 24/10/24 Recently, one of our members of Australian Catholics Exploring the Diaconate was a panel speaker in Rome at another side-of-the-Synod event. Thank you, Joanna! She shares her experience here in her own words. My feeling about speaking at this adjunct event for the Synod – about women who feel called to theContinue reading “Reflections on the Discussion on Women Deacons – 15th October, 2024, Rome”
A Vital Force in the Life of the Church
Deacon Rosie Stower, 17 October 2024 Rosie’s call to the diaconate in the Anglican Church was “totally unexpected”, yet she has pioneered a model that has resulted in many graces, for herself and others. Rosie was baptised as a child, but left the church in her early 20s to explore various other spiritualities and faiths.Continue reading “A Vital Force in the Life of the Church”
The Last Gelato
Elizabeth Young rsm, 6 October 2024 Ah, the last gelato in Rome… We began today (Sunday) with English-speaking Mass at the Caravita. It was a beautiful space of communion, with chairs facing each other and a welcoming feel. The priest did an incredible job at making sense of the readings – or finding ways toContinue reading “The Last Gelato”
St Lawrence and St Stephen, Pray for Us!
Elizabeth Young rsm, 5 October 2024 Firstly, I woke up very moved and buoyed by the support of people back home who have carried me by prayer, encouragement, donations and in so many other ways. You have truly been a blessing that has kept myself, and all of us, walking this pilgrimage in joy andContinue reading “St Lawrence and St Stephen, Pray for Us!”
St Francis of Assisi, Pray for Us!
Elizabeth Young rsm, 4 October 2024 Today was the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, that wonderful patron of ecology who was actually ordained a deacon in his lifetime, though not a priest. When we had our first icebreaker as a Discerning Deacons group, I had named him as my favourite saint. We began theContinue reading “St Francis of Assisi, Pray for Us!”
Liturgy on the Margins 