They also serve
The Pope has raised the possibility of women deacons. This has encouraged many to write about the great service given to the Church by male deacons. A priest in a neighbouring parish has written to say how much his permanent deacon (a married man) is appreciated (Letters, 11 June).

To be honest, I find this greatly irritating.

I have served in my parish for more than 25 years, during which time I have tried in many ways to recognise the presence of God in the world, and bring others to recognise it too. This has included sourcing and running catechesis for parents of children to be baptised or make their First Communion, facilitating adult discussion groups, youth friendship groups, teenage faith exploration, and Bible sharing, leading and writing liturgies for children, young people and adults, provoking discussion at parish meetings, reading and seeking to share meaning in the Word of God, making teas, coffees and cakes, mediating between parishioners and priests, teaching RE to hundreds of questioning teenagers in our Catholic schools, and participating in discussions in deaneries and Diocese.