Every September since 2020, Discerning Deacons has marked the Feast of St. Phoebe the Deacon by animating communities around the world in prayer and celebration in her honor.

Over 200 Catholics parishes, schools, religious orders, and other organizations have hosted local St. Phoebe Day gatherings across 67 dioceses, nine countries, and four continents, reaching tens of thousands of people with St. Phoebe's good news.
Together we lead our faith communities to…
  • Lift up St. Phoebe on or near the day she is commemorated, September 3
  • Pray for the universal church during the Global Synod and its implementation as we discern about women’s participation
  • Celebrate the voices and gifts of women leaders in our communities
  • Offer our communities an opportunity to grow in understanding of and exercise their baptismal call to diakonia—bridge-building, humble service in liturgy, Word, and social action, especially with those on the margins

We gather virtually on September 3 and unleash Catholic communities to host local prayers and celebrations honoring St. Phoebe throughout the month of September.

Icon by Cheryl Liske

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"The time is right, and frankly, long overdue for the pastoral leadership of these women to be acknowledged through their ordination as deacons in the Church...I am presently open to identifying and supporting women with the gifts to preach, teach and sanctify in the life of our faith communities. I am grateful for all the ways Discerning Deacons is encouraging this movement which I believe is of the Holy Spirit."

St. Phoebe Day Witnesses

Read reports from some of the parishes, high schools, universities, and other Catholic organizations who celebrated the Feast of St. Phoebe in September 2023 and 2024.

Australian Catholics Exploring the Diaconate

“It was deeply inspiring to bear witness to the stories of each person’s journey of faith and ministry. Together, we ensured that everyone’s voice and experience had space to be heard and valued. This event was part of our journey to support diaconal ministry in Australia.”

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St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

“There was a wonderful energy emanating from uplifting girls and women throughout the liturgy- altar servers, lectors, cantors, Eucharistic ministers and lay leaders of prayer. There was a spirit of hope in what could be possible for the future of our Church!”

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St. William Catholic Community

“A highlight for many present was the Scripture reflection offered by a female parishioner who specifically spoke about her experience as a minister in the Church. At St. William, communal leadership and ministry are a central part of our community’s identity and values.”

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University of Dayton Campus Ministry

“It was especially meaningful to hear a woman break open the scripture for our community. This is just the beginning of raising awareness on our campus of the witness and ministry of St. Phoebe, and the witness of women in our community. Together, we are just beginning our journey of rethinking women’s participation in the Church.”

Read More »

Where is St. Phoebe?

Explore our interactive map to see some of the places and communities where St. Phoebe has been celebrated in past years. Don't see your celebration on the map? Send an email to us at info@discerningdeacons.org letting us know about your celebration!

“While I’m not necessarily the one who is called to do the proclaiming, I feel called to be the one who holds the microphone for every woman who does. I hope that there are going to be generations of witnesses coming after us who will do the same. I am praying for our Church to institutionally recognize the calling of so many women already serving and leading globally.”

St. Phoebe Day - Photos and Blog Posts

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