Church of the Ascension

“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!”
St. Ambrose University

“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 Lady of Guadalupe Parish

“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.”
St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church

“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!”
Helen Oesterle

“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!”
Tammy Norcross-Reitzler

“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.”
Indianapolis Phoebe Circle
“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.”
Fr. Joseph A. Genito, O.S.A.

“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.”
Deacon Bill Zapcic

“If there were women deacons in my parish, lay women would relate in a deep and meaningful way to deacons who look, act, speak and feel more like themselves…Though I am an unlikely choice to wear the alb and stole, I have a deep commitment to service in Christ’s name and I try to live it every day. Any need that arises, I am ready to shoulder it, though some needs of our sisters and brothers would be well- or better-served by a woman’s different compassion.”
Fr. Stephen P Newton, CSC

“Not only is ordaining women as deacons a restoration of the dynamism of the early Church, it is a matter of justice!”