“Some parishioners had not heard of St. Phoebe and her diaconal ministry, while others were familiar and excited to share their
knowledge of her ministry with others. Overall our community was open to this celebration, and some were extremely
excited to learn more! Some parishioners asked when there would be more celebrations or sessions uplifting St. Phoebe and her ministry.”
“Durante los preparativos de nuestra celebración, los que participaron en la planificación pudieron demostrar que los cambios dentro de la Iglesia no tienen por qué ser motivo de división, sino que pueden unir a nuestra comunidad. La Iglesia ya ha experimentado cambios anteriormente, ¡no debemos temer! Seguiremos juntos en este camino”.
“It was so life-giving to listen to such an inspiring and powerful witness testimony, as well as to work alongside one another on our team to plan this event. There was so much good energy among the planning team and parishioners!”
“Together, we have hope for the future. We are grateful to have examples of women leaders on our campus who are committed to ministering to our campus community with dedication and strength. We pray that this celebration is just the start of uplifting women on our own campus and throughout the entirety of the Church. St. Phoebe, pray for us!”
“Our parish is so ready for this conversation! The role of women in the Church was one of the foremost themes that came forth during our parish’s synodal listening session. Many were encouraged to feel like their voices and concerns are being heard and considered not only by our parish, but more broadly by the ongoing Synod.”
“So many older adults from our congregation, both men and women, were thrilled to hear of this discernment and of the witness of St. Phoebe. The response from our community most definitely helped us to realize and remember that we are not alone on this journey of uplifting women in the Church!”
“But maybe I can be part of helping others see that God’s plans might be different from what they expect. Imagine what we, the Church, would be like if we truly listened to the stories of all its members—men, women, children and youth, the poor and marginalized from every
corner of the world, and then responded with open minds and hearts, making the changes required so our Church, individually and communally, can think as God thinks!”
“Having served as a lay minister in the church for 35 years including the last 10 years in campus ministry at St. Ambrose, I was touched by the affirmation of my call and filled with hope for a future Church that recognizes the gifts and contributions of women.”
“Our journey is just beginning. Before the event, many participants were unfamiliar with St. Phoebe, feeling disconnected from the Synod, and unaware of the conversation around women in the diaconate. People left energized, informed and with materials to continue the conversation with others. We hope that this event was simply the beginning of our journey together.”
“I have worked alongside many lay and religious women in my ministry who have exhibited outstanding ability for ministry. Many have taught me by their example how to be a more effective minister, and by their instruction, helped me to grow in this role…It’s time that the Church gets in step with society and recognizes the equality of women in the workplace. Women are as capable as men in the work of ministry, and have demonstrated the same equality in scholarship, skills and education as men.”
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