Parishioner leads charge to break ground for women in church

Chicago Tribune ^ | August 21, 2012 | Manya A. Brachear

[NYer]

Lynne Mapes-Riordan, of Evanston, hopes women will one day serve as Roman Catholic deacons. After 800 years, she could be one of the first. 

Growing up, she never gave ordination a second thought. But then she learned that, unlike the church's verdict barring female priests, the question of female deacons has never been resolved.

That open question has led Mapes-Riordan, 49, and fellow parishioners at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Evanston to seek an answer. If the church finds in favor of female deacons, she could become one of the first women ordained since the 12th century. After meeting last winter with members of the parish, including Mapes-Riordan, Chicago's Cardinal Francis George reportedly promised to raise the question in Rome during his visit earlier this year.

Scholars say female deacons wouldn't be a novel idea but the restoration of a tradition abandoned centuries ago.

The idea of female deacons "is being talked about very slowly," George said earlier this year during a forum at the Union League Club in response to a question about the future likelihood of female priests. "The diaconate is a more open question. At this place, at this time, it is not a possibility."

Mapes-Riordan, a lawyer, wife, mother of two and longtime parishioner at St. Nicholas, does not take a position on whether women should become priests. The church has made it clear that's not permitted. Ordaining women as deacons is not the same, she said.

"In a strange way, I don't see this being about women," Mapes-Riordan said during a recent interview inside St. Nicholas. "I see it as being about church and mission. We have this part of a puzzle, this piece, that I'm not going to say is missing, but we could have a fuller picture if this (letting women become deacons) was added.

[NYer]

Lynne Mapes-Riordan, of Evanston, wants the chance to enter the Catholic Church’s deacon formation program. The church currently doesn’t allow female deacons, and Mapes-Riordan would be one of the first ordained since the 12th century. Standing with Mapes-Riordan at St. Nicholas Church in Evanston is the Rev. Casmir Damor.

[NYer]

In the Catholic Church, there are three levels of ordained clergy: bishops, priests and deacons. Deacons can't say Mass, hear confessions or anoint the sick, but they can baptize, officiate at weddings or funerals and preach. For St. Nicholas, a well-known progressive parish in the Chicago Archdiocese, nominating a deacon of any gender has been a breakthrough.

And there's the explanation.

[longtermmemmory]

she is apply the “gradual steps” of the left. Once they have a toe hold she will then attack more.

wife of lawyer needs to go.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Just break away from Rome and start your own church, honey.

[netmilsmom]

Anyone who has a problem with this, look on your Altar this Sunday. If you see Altar Girls, you shouldn’t be surprised.

[SuziQ]

The Permanent Diaconate is designed for those men who cannot become priests at the present time because they’re married. But it is my understanding that at the time of his wife’s death, he COULD enter the priesthood, if he so chooses, because he has already received the faculties leading up to that point. This would not be possible for a woman, so why even open the Diaconate to them, if they can’t be priests anyway?

[SuziQ]

Also, is there any EVIDENCE that there were actual DEACONS who were women, in the early Church? Women serving in a LITURGICAL capacity, that is.

[Natural Law]

"But it is my understanding that at the time of his wife’s death, he COULD enter the priesthood, if he so chooses, because he has already received the faculties leading up to that point."

It is exceedingly rare for a permanent Deacon to become a Priest. Becoming a member of the permanent diaconate is intended to be permanent. While it is true that a married man can become a Deacon, Deacons are not permitted to marry. If a Deacon's wife dies he is to remain celibate and chaste.

Peace be with you.

[A.A. Cunningham]

The Permanent Diaconate is designed for those men who cannot become priests at the present time because they’re married. But it is my understanding that at the time of his wife’s death, he COULD enter the priesthood, if he so chooses, because he has already received the faculties leading up to that point.

You are mistaken.

By the way, there are quite a few Permanent Deacons who are not married.

[vladimir998]

This is the book you want to read to answer your questions: http://www.amazon.com/Deaconesses-Historical-Aime-G-Martimort/dp/0898701147

Note: Even though it is published by Ignatius - which is known for its orthodoxy and conservatism - the book is praised by crazed “women-must-be-ordained” wackos as “balanced”. It’s reliable.

[SumProVita]

Dear Blessed Mother Mary, Clothed with the Sun, please grant Lynne Mapes-Riordan the grace of experiencing the great beauty, wisdom and divine effectiveness that comes from a true SERVANT heart like yours. Please intercede for her and share your light, your energy and your faith with her so that she may come to a sense of fulfillment and happiness...like nothing she has ever known. Help her to humbly and wisely serve your Son in the purification and building up of His Church. Amen.

[AnAmericanMother]

Actually, there was a permanent deacon in our parish whose wife passed away several years ago.

He is off at seminary right now and scheduled to be ordained a priest in June.

[AnAmericanMother]

Actually, the women-must-be-ordained whackos have abandoned that position.

Read the second comment. They've "moved on" .