Partners in the Process

Many women do a lot of soul-searching when their husbands feel called to become deacons. Forty-eight such women came together over six years ago when the Diocese of Richmond started its first diaconate-formation group. These women of different education levels, ages, and lifestyles grew into a cohesive unit as their husbands went through the program. Although diaconate programs are as unique as the dioceses they serve, all are open only to men, so most of the issues, emotions, and rewards the authors experienced will resonate with women everywhere who find themselves in similar circumstances.