Here at St. William Catholic Community in Louisville, KY we were happy to celebrate our parish community’s second St. Phoebe Day on Sunday, September 1, 2024. Our celebration of the Mass included an entrance procession with a hymn dedicated to St. Phoebe and a female parishioner carrying an icon of her. Following the parishioner in the procession a small girl from the parish carried a bouquet of flowers. The icon was placed at the front of the sanctuary with the flowers placed immediately in front of it. The icon of St. Phoebe remains in the entrance of our sanctuary to this day. 

The special hymns and prayers throughout the celebration were outlined on a slideshow presentation for the congregation to follow along. We prayed together for St. Phoebe’s intercession and especially prayed for the women amongst us who work in service of the church. A female parishioner gave a reflection on the Gospel, and after the reception of Communion, the congregation stood and used hand motions to pray with the song “We are the Body of Christ,” embodying our shared identity as the Body of Christ, regardless of gender. 

A highlight for many present was the Gospel reflection offered by the female parishioner who specifically spoke about her experience as a minister in the Church. At St. William, communal leadership and ministry are a central part of our community’s identity and values.

We are grateful for this opportunity as a parish community to raise awareness of St. Phoebe and the leadership of women in the Church. We are continuing to remind all in our parish community to pray together for the continued inclusion of women in the life of the Church, and for our shared mission as the Body of Christ.