Jesus used to travel from town to town bringing good news. St. Luke points out: “Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women.” The Evangelist wants us to notice that from the beginning women had served in leadership in the Jesus movement. We need this reminder since leadership in the Catholic Church for the past 1500 years or so has been predominately celibate males. Pope Francis wishes to reclaim women’s rightful place but how that will look in the concrete is not exactly clear. The Holy Father has appointed a commission to examine the substantial New Testament and historical evidence of the presence and service of female deacons in the first centuries of the Church. This study will contribute to decisions about increasing the role of women in leadership of the Church.