St. Francis Xavier Church in La Grange, IL celebrated St. Phoebe on September 9th and 10th. The entire weekend was made special by having each member of the congregation wear a name tag and offering hospitality after all of the Masses. Our Discerning Deacons team planned all aspects of the liturgies (petitions, music, etc.) to reflect our intention to uplift and show gratitude for the long history of women’s leadership in our parish.  Women witnesses shared a reflection at each of the five Masses. During the homily, the priest celebrant shared background information about the witness and ministry of St. Phoebe and introduced the reflector.

After Mass, parishioners were invited to pick up information and to ask questions.  They were also encouraged to highlight women in their lives who had influenced their faith by writing an individual name onto a yellow paper flame and placing the flame into a basket.

Throughout the Masses, many parishioners simply could not stop smiling! We were in awe at the ways that five different women could break open the scriptures in unique ways and do an amazing job. The Spirit was evident after Mass as parishioners shared and listened to and with one another.

We are so excited about this time and the possibility of expanding the role of women in the Church. In our community, many were learning about St. Phoebe’s witness and ministry for the very first time. Overall, our celebration made us aware of the Synod’s mission to actively attend to the Spirit in the world today.

St. Phoebe reflected the courage and perseverance that we all hope to embody on this journey. We will need her intercession and example to speak fearlessly and to truly attend to the participation and witness of all. We must keep listening! We have been told that we do not have to wait for the Church we want to see. Our St. Phoebe celebration was a true example of that.