I am a deacon and I am a woman. I have been called to study and work in ministry for the last 25 years. I am trained at the diocesan Seminary, have additional advanced degrees in Religious Education and am a trained, practicing Spiritual Director. I have ministered full time in parishes, presided at wake services, run Scripture groups, given retreats, provided pastoral care in hospitals and gone on many medical missions as a volunteer. I have been living the charism of "Love of God and Dear Neighbor Without Distinction" as an Associate of the Sisters of St Joseph. I have done this while raising 4 beautiful children and nurturing a marriage. I am a deacon. I am just waiting for the hierarchical church to accept that God has spoken on this "issue". Meanwhile I labor and serve.