On Friday morning, the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that sister missionaries are now eligible to begin serving at age 18 — one year earlier than the previous age eligibility for sisters.

"The First Presidency is pleased to announce that effective immediately, young women who choose to serve a full-time mission may begin their service at age 18 following graduation from high school or its equivalent," the Church's statement read.

The First Presidency also reiterated that while missionary service is a "priesthood responsibility" for young men, it remains optional for young women.

Abigail Glosenger, a freshman majoring in fisheries, range and wildlife management, is attending her first semester of college after returning from serving a mission in Gilbert, Arizona.

"I left when I was 19, so this is my first semester of college and I'm 21. But all the guys that are older than me are about to graduate in like, a year, so [the age change will] definitely be helpful for, like, after the mission, finding a spouse," Glosenger said.

Allison Willden, a junior majoring in communication, is currently working on filling out her mission papers.

“I turn 19 at the end of this semester, so, selfishly, I wish they would have changed it just a little bit earlier!” Willden said. “Missionary service is great, and I’m really happy to hear that they’re allowing more opportunities for missionaries — for sisters — to serve younger.”

The last time the church made a change in missionary age requirements was at the October 2012 General Conference, when President Thomas S. Monson lowered the minimum age to begin service to 18 for men and 19 for women.