A New Ministry?

To conclude this study, which is both too brief and too long, let us reiterate that there is an essential difference between the diaconate and deaconesses which reproduces that of the two priesthoods. On the one hand, there is the hierarchical priesthood: the diaconate is a degree of the sacrament of Holy Orders, a sacrament of divine institution that confers an ordained and clerical ministry. And on the other, there is the baptismal priesthood: deaconesses received a sacramental of ecclesial institution, which today corresponds to an instituted, baptismal, and lay ministry. The two priesthoods are not destined to remain face to face, but to collaborate in the service of the one priesthood of Christ (LG §10).

It would seem absolutely impossible for the diaconate to be open to women, since the hierarchical priesthood to which it belongs is a sign and instrument of Christ the Head, inasmuch as he sacramentally presents the face of the Father. At the same time, it remains possible to create an instituted ministry of deaconesses, especially since this ministry has already existed, in order to better express all the richness of the baptismal priesthood and the full collaboration between the two priesthoods. It seems to us that Pope Francis reaches the same conclusion when he leaves the door open to reflection on the diaconal ministry of women49 while affirming the impossibility for them to accede to the sacrament of Holy Orders.5º This is not contradictory if he envisages the possibility of an instituted ministry.

A new ministry for deaconesses would be dogmatically possible, but would it be pastorally desirable? Although it is not for us to judge, we do not think it would be appropriate, at least for the time being. In the first place, without a very thorough catechesis, it would be difficult for such a ministry to be received for what it is without confusion with the order of deacons. The terms are confusing. For example, in the absence of a distinct adjective, the expression "diaconal ministry" applies to both deaconesses and the diaconate, even though these two realities are very

49 Synod of Bishops, XVI Ordinary General Assembly, session 2 (October 2-27, 2024), "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission," Final Document, October 26, 2024, no. 60: "The question of women's access to the diaconal ministry also remains open, and discernment on this subject must continue" (Bollettino B0832 [October 2024]). This Final Document was approved by Pope as "part of the ordinary magisterium of the successor of Peter" (Note Accompanying the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, October 24, 2024 [ Bollettino B0934 (November 25, 2024)]).50 Pope Francis, interviewed by Norah O'Donnell on CBS, May 21, 2024.

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Deaconesses and the Diaconate

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