Chaplain Diane Burroughs Ordained a Priest by the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests, Hospice Out and About

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Many of us remember Chaplain Diane Burroughs who served our hospice community for seven years. Diane retired in 2016 due to health reasons, but is recovering from illness and having a second career as an ordained priest. Here's her inspiring story: Earlier this month, Diane, second from left, was officially ordained by the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (ARCWP). Her desire to become an ARCWP priest  began many years ago. The most recent turn was here in Ocala in 2015. In 2009, Diane moved to Florida to take the post at HMC, working with the ACT and NH teams and the South Team when that was created. She earned her MA in theological studies in 2001 and served her chaplain residency in 2004-05 in Huntington, WV. After that, she continued in hospital work as a trauma and oncology chaplain until being offered the job at HMC - much warmer here! "I do miss my hospice family and have kept in touch with many of you," she says. Her saga to become a priest truly began when she started searching for a Catholic Church that would recognize her as a chaplain. She found House Church of Mary and Joseph and knew she was home. The pastors were Dena and John O’Callahan in the community of On Top of the World. One of them became ill and was no longer able to offer Homilies so she offered to help. After about a year and a half, the illness worsened and it was necessary for them to return to Michigan, but Diane stayed on. "We are a small church of about 12-15 people and welcome anyone to join us," says Diane. "At that time, I began to seek ordination to be prepared to fully lead the House Church in liturgical celebrations. They have truly been a blessing in my life."