To raise awareness of the ministry of St. Phoebe and encourage the discernment of women’s ordination to the diaconate, on September 3rd, 2023 we hosted a St. Phoebe celebration at Holy Nombre de Jesus Parish in New Orleans, LA. At the celebration, our Director of Pastoral Life gave a reflection following the Eucharist at all Sunday liturgies that day and also handed out prayer cards following each Mass. Prior to our celebration, we had three parish study circles available for parishioners to come and learn about uplifting women’s leadership and participation in the Church.

It was so encouraging to learn about the long history of women’s leadership in the early Church and to be inspired by their witness. So many women in our community were not familiar with this history. We are proud to stand on the shoulders of the many women who have ministered to the people of God throughout time! We are so grateful for the support we have on this journey from one another, from Discerning Deacons and from our local ordained ministers. We were so well received by our community; this is just the beginning of our journey together! We are proud to be a part of this movement.