New Deaconesses in 2009

Eight newly invested sisters add “touches of red” (from sashes to hair) to the traditional black and white color scheme. Their diverse backgrounds, interests and gifts bring much to this Community of almost 80 women.

They are from Georgia, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Oregon, Maryland, and Illinois, and work in chaplaincy, spiritual direction, refugee ministry, aging, and parish ministry. Some envision service in crosscultural settings at home or overseas, and bring gifts such as story telling, healing ministry, music, preaching, evangelism and administration…and so much more.

Investiture represents a unique tradition in which women become part of the Deaconess Community. They are granted full rights within the Community and are given a candidate pin and the title “sister”. It also marks the point in a deaconess’ theological training and diaconal formation when she is ready to commit herself to the Community, and the Community is ready to commit itself to her.

Once "invested", deaconesses are considered full members of the Deaconess Community and after their year of internship will be consecrated by the Church upon receiving their first call.