“Loren and I were asked to discern the diaconate as a couple. As we went through the program, I felt a deep understanding of diakonia growing. People in the parish thought I had been ordained with Loren. They recognized me as a deacon. Perhaps it was the spirit of God planting another seed in me. My pastor, on his deathbed, asked that the chrism be passed to me, so that I could anoint him. In the pain of losing him, he left with me an affirmation I have never forgotten. He envisioned me in the role I so desire: deacon. I feel called to a ministry that journeys with folks in a fully committed and sacramental way.”