Supporting Women Deacons (Continued)

We believe that ordination is a matter of justice for women who are our associates and partners in providing ministry. Women have traditionally done 80 to 85 percent of the ministry of our Church. Since the restoration of the permanent diaconate following the Second Vatican Council male candidates were chosen among those who were already performing diaconal service. We see it as a matter of justice that women who likewise are leaders in such ministries not be deprived of the graces of the Sacrament.

Today we continue to speak on behalf of our members serving in dioceses and religious communities with day-to-day ministerial joys and challenges. Our experience leads us to believe that having men and women deacons as parish administrators would be more effective than closing parishes and establishing super parishes.

We value the position of FutureChurch and other organizations of Catholics concerned about pastoral ministry. FutureChurch states that many women who lead parishes and serve as catechists and chaplains and in other ministries should be ordained. “In light of mission opportunities and pastoral needs, local Churches should be empowered to call forth women for the ordained diaconia of liturgy, word and charity.”

(Signed)
The Leadership Team: On behalf of the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests
Father Louis Arceneaux, Congregation of the Mission
Father Bob Bonnot, Diocese of Youngstown
Father Kevin Clinton, Archdiocese of St. Paul - Minneapolis;
Father David Cooper, Archdiocese of Milwaukee;
Father Dan Divis, Diocese of Cleveland
Father Frank Eckart, Diocese of Toledo;
Father Jim Kiesel, Archdiocese of Baltimore
Father Daniel Ramirez¬ Portugal, Diocese of Laredo
Father Joe Ruggieri, Diocese of Youngstown
Father Jim Schexnayder, Diocese of Oakland.
Father Bernie Survil, Diocese of Greensburg;
Father Clarence Williams, National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus
Sister Jackie Doepker, a member of the Franciscan Sisters, Tiffin, Ohio, serves the AUSCP as Executive Secretary

Email office@uscatholicpriests.org(link sends e-mail) / The Association of US Catholic Priests, 200 St. Francis Avenue, Tiffin OH 44883-3458