“In preparing for our celebration, those involved in planning were able to demonstrate how change within the Church does not need to be cause for division, but rather can bring our community together. The Church has experienced change before; we should not fear! We will continue on this journey alongside one another.”

“Before our celebration, 10 women from the parish joined together to pray and prepare for our St. Phoebe day celebration. This was such a profound experience. A few of the women shared reflections at the Masses, and we met together to workshop and practice these reflections. This was deeply rewarding and humbling to be in this community of women supporting and praying for one another.”

“[W]e organized an event for individuals from the parish and surrounding parishes to prayerfully reflect upon and learn about the witness of St. Phoebe and the role of women in the Church on the feast of St. Phoebe…The joy, hope and energy from this event was palpable…At least 12 area parishes were represented. This event raised so much awareness of St. Phoebe, and many shared their own experiences and witnesses with courage.”

“Some parishioners expressed their deep hope that, although the uplifting of women in the Church has often been absent in their own lives, that this can be different for coming generations. As a community, we are committed to continuing this conversation, praying for the ongoing Synod and continuing to uplift the voices of women ministering in the Church in both seen and unseen ways!”