FutureChurch Convenes the First Ever Retreat for Women Discerning a Call to the Permanent Diaconate

Today many women lead parishes, serve as catechists and chaplains, and engage in other ministries in a Catholic context. In light of the Church’s mission and pastoral needs, local Churches should be empowered to call forth women for the ordained diaconate of liturgy, the Word, and charity.   

From September 16 – 18, 2016, twenty women will come together for the first ever retreat for women who are discerning a call to the permanent diaconate. The retreat will be led by FutureChurch staff members Deborah Rose-Milavec and Russ Petrus, with Sr. Chris Schenk serving as the Spiritual Director. Some of the women attending the retreat will also be offering an educational segment during the retreat.  

The goal of the retreat is to create sacred space for women who are discerning a call to the permanent diaconate. The retreat is designed to educate participants about the history and theology of the permanent diaconate, to create a generous space for prayer, quiet reflection, and discernment, and to engender greater awareness in the church of the women who feel called to the permanent diaconate. 

All of those involved appreciate the prayers and support of Catholics everywhere as we enter into this pioneering exploration together.