“[W]e celebrated St. Phoebe Day with a mass to uplift the voices of women in the Church, invite the community to rethink women’s participation and raise awareness of the global synod…Many were deeply moved by our celebration together. A senior woman from the parish shared that she had waited most of her adult life to hear the hope that was offered during Mass. A man approached after the celebration to ask for a copy of the reflection shared. With tears in his eyes, he shared that he hoped to share it with his daughter who had left the Church.”

“[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.”

“Our community’s celebration of St. Phoebe Day reminded us to look around at countless women who respond generously with their time, talent, and treasure instead of exclusively looking at the “usual suspects” of more high profile church leaders.”

“Conocer la historia de las mujeres en el diaconado dio contexto a los esfuerzos por permitir la participación de las mujeres en el diaconado hoy en día, y fue muy significativo celebrar a Santa Febe y ensalzar el ministerio de las mujeres en nuestra propia comunidad”.