Ordination of deacon Beverly Bingle

An ordination Mass was held Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, for Beverly Bingle, who became the first woman to be ordained as a Roman Catholic deacon. The liturgy was celebrated by Roman Catholic Womenpriests at First Unitarian Church, 3205 Glendale Ave. in Toledo. The Vatican, where the Roman Catholic Church is based, will not recognize this service. CLICK ANY IMAGE TO VIEW FULL PHOTO, START SLIDE SHOW.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Beverly Bingle, left, gets a hug from Rev. Elsie McGrath of St. Louis before her ordination as a deacon at ... THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Rev. Dagmar Celeste speaks during the ordination of Beverly Bingle at the First Unitarian Church. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The congregation at First Unitarian Church Thursday listens during the ordination Mass. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Joan Houk, Bishop for the Great Waters Region, delivers the Homily. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Beverly Bingle lies prostate during her ordination as a deacon at the First Unitarian Church. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The congregation is lined up for the Laying on of Hands of Beverly Bingle during her ordination. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo A member of the congregation lays hands on Beverly Bingle during her ordination at the First Unitarian Church. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Beverly Bingle gets a hug from Bill Bingle after the investiture with stole for deacon during the Mass. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Joan Houk, Bishop for the Great Waters Region, presents the gospel to Beverly Bingle. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Joan Houk, Bishop for the Great Waters Region, left, and Rev. Elsie McGrath, regional program coordinator, right, present newly ordinated ... THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON