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# Discerning Deacons

A project fueled by love and fidelity to the Catholic Church

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## Posts

- [Discerning Deacons Reacts to Release of Global Synod’s Working Document](https://discerningdeacons.org/dd-reacts-to-release-of-il/) - The Sixteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will discuss opening diaconate to women during October meeting ROME —Today, the General Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops published the Instrumentum Laboris ahead of the Sixteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops scheduled for October. Amongst the issues being discussed in this
- [Program Supporting Women’s Preaching in the Catholic Church Receives $1.25 Million Grant](https://discerningdeacons.org/lilly-endowment-grant/) - ST. PAUL– A new program dedicated to supporting preaching by women in the Catholic Church is receiving a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., through their Compelling Preaching Initiative. A collaboration between Discerning Deacons and Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, the program will allow students to earn a Certificate in Catholic Preaching and Ministry of the Word. “Now
- [There is no turning back...](https://discerningdeacons.org/there-is-no-turning-back/) - Amazonian women provide diaconal service to the present Church in the immense Amazonian territory. On June 1, 2023, three women—Yesica Patiachi from Peru, Patricia Gualinga from Ecuador and Sr. Laura Vicuña from Brazil, vice presidents of the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM) and of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA)—were received in an historic audience
- [Embers to Flame: How We Bear Witness This Lent](https://discerningdeacons.org/embers-to-flame-how-we-bear-witness-this-lent/) - On Wednesday afternoon, January 28th, something both heartbreaking and holy unfolded outside Miami's Immigration Court. A South Florida Guatemalan teenager stood before more than 200 Catholic students and adults — her voice breaking — and shared that both her immigrant parents are detained in different states. Jessica hasn't seen her father, who worked as a
- [She stood in sub-zero temperatures with a sign. This is the diaconal church](https://discerningdeacons.org/she-stood-in-sub-zero-temperatures-with-a-sign-this-is-the-diaconal-church/) - "The diaconate, following the high road of the Council, thus leads us to the centre of the mystery of the Church. Just as I have spoken of a “constitutively missionary Church” and a “constitutively synodal Church”, so I add that we should speak of a “constitutively diaconal Church”. Indeed, if we do not live this
- [Weavers of Communion in Times of Mourning](https://discerningdeacons.org/weavers-of-communion-in-times-of-mourning/) - As the choir led us in the communion hymn on Sunday — “One bread, one body, one Lord of all…” — I felt both a deep solace and a tender challenge. Solace in the truth that we belong to one another in Christ. And challenge in how that mystery calls us to live — especially
- [On the second day of Christmas, deacons are called](https://discerningdeacons.org/on-the-second-day-of-christmas-deacons-are-called/) - All those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel. (Acts 6:15)Merry Christmas Season from Discerning Deacons and blessings on this Feast of St. Stephen, whom tradition honors as a deacon and first martyr. On this second day of Christmas, the Catholic Church
- [PROCLAIM: A Reflection on the First Fruits of Formation](https://discerningdeacons.org/proclaim-a-reflection-on-the-first-fruits-of-formation/) - Dear Discerning Deacons Community,What a profound joy it is to share with you the flourishing of PROCLAIM—a dream that began in our community and has now taken root in the lives of 27 remarkable women across North America.From Hope to RealityWhen Discerning Deacons discerned the call to apply for the Lilly Endowment Compelling Preaching Initiative,
- [Possibilities for Christmas Preaching](https://discerningdeacons.org/possibilities-for-christmas-preaching/) - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" By Ann Garrido, D.Min Every year, the lectionary offers us such a vast array of readings to ponder in preparation for preaching Christmas. There are a different set of readings for: The Vigil Mass Mass during the Night
- [Behold the Mother Who Comes to Us: Juan Diego’s Unveiling, Our Awakening](https://discerningdeacons.org/behold-the-mother-who-comes-to-us-juan-diegos-unveiling-our-awakening/) - This week, as we prepare to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12, the Mother who gathers all the peoples of the Americas under her mantle, we find ourselves reflecting on the newly released Petrocchi Commission report on women and the diaconate. You can read our statement here.In moments like this,
- [DD Statement on the Petrocchi Commission Report](https://discerningdeacons.org/dd-statement-on-the-petrocchi-commission-report/) - Discerning Deacons Statement on the Petrocchi Commission Report For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 4, 2025With the publication today of the Petrocchi Commission report on women being called to serve as deacons, Discerning Deacons reaffirms its commitment to the ongoing discernment around women’s access to diaconal ministry and issues the following statement: “We are grateful for the
- [Paragraph 60: "What comes from the Holy Spirit cannot be stopped"](https://discerningdeacons.org/paragraph-60/) - At the close of the October 2024 session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, the members of the synod, along with Pope Francis, published the final document of the Synod on Synodality. The document, which belongs to Pope Francis’s ordinary magisterium, serves as a road map for the implementation of
- [Thanksgiving: Bearing witness to women’s call to the diaconate](https://discerningdeacons.org/you-can-make-a-difference-for-a-church-that-lifts-up-womens-voices/) - When Jazmin Jimenez recently shared about her call to preach she bore witness. She bore witness to the workings of the Holy Spirit that calls forth women’s gifts for preaching. She bore witness to the hunger in our Catholic faith communities to hear a woman’s voice among those formed and authorized to preach. She bore
- [Five takeaways from the Jubilee of Synodal Teams in Rome](https://discerningdeacons.org/five-takeaways-from-the-jubilee-of-synodal-teams-in-rome/) - I recently returned from the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies in Rome, Oct. 24-26, with a renewed confidence of how synodality is alive and well in our Church. The seeds that have been planted are starting to grow shoots in different parts of the world.There is much work to be done, but the
- [Diaconal families at school with the poor: Jubilee, a time of solidarity](https://discerningdeacons.org/diaconal-families-at-school-with-the-poor-jubilee-a-time-of-solidarity/) - When Luke beautifully recounts how the Virgin Mary sets out on a hurried journey to a mountainous region to visit her cousin Elizabeth, he describes her dedication and self-giving in going forth to serve. Considering that Elizabeth is going to give birth in her old age, certainly without the facilities we have today, with exhausting
- [Organizing Hope: A Pilgrimage of Welcome and Witness](https://discerningdeacons.org/organizing-hope-a-pilgrimage-of-welcome-and-witness/) - One of my late father’s favorite memories of receiving welcome in the U.S. after fleeing Cuba happened around Thanksgiving early 1960s. A few nuns knocked on his door and gifted his family a turkey and a basket of food. Not familiar with this celebration, the sisters explained the American custom of thanksgiving and warmly welcomed
- [Can we allow Jesus’ vision of the diaconate to unfold within us?](https://discerningdeacons.org/can-we-allow-jesus-vision-of-the-diaconate-to-unfold-within-us/) - Pope Leo XIV recently remarked that before the Church can decide on women’s inclusion in the diaconate, we must first answer the deeper question of what the diaconate itself is. (Crux, 9/15/25) This echoes what many deacons have told me over the years. They caution: If women were ordained, it wouldn’t necessarily mean authority or
- [In today's world, "how are we being asked to be the deacons?"](https://discerningdeacons.org/in-todays-world-how-are-we-being-asked-to-be-the-deacons/) - If you were one of the folks gathered with us on Zoom last Wednesday for St. Phoebe’s Feast — or one of the hundreds in the overflow livestream on Youtube — I’ll bet you can feel just how much that devotion has been growing! Click here to watch the video recording in Zoom, where you
- [DD Statement on Pope Leo XIV and the Diaconate](https://discerningdeacons.org/dd-statement-on-pope-leo-xiv-and-the-diaconate/) - Discerning Deacons Statement on Pope Leo XIV and the Diaconate For Immediate Release: September 18, 2025 Pope Leo affirmed that including women in the ordained diaconate is a legitimate topic for ongoing discernment during his recent interview with CRUX’s Elise Allen. He underscores the need for a renewed understanding and lived practice of the whole diaconate
- [The more difficult the times, the stronger our hope must be](https://discerningdeacons.org/the-more-difficult-the-times-the-stronger-our-hope-must-be/) - This week we share the powerful witness of Sr. Laura Vicuña, offered during our virtual St. Phoebe celebration on September 3. Her reflection, originally delivered in Spanish from the heart of Brazil’s Amazon region where she serves as a missionary among indigenous communities, has been translated into English. – Firme Adelenate, Ellie Our times call for
- [Half the Deacons Are Missing: A St. Phoebe Day Reflection](https://discerningdeacons.org/half-the-deacons-are-missing-a-st-phoebe-day-reflection/) - Happy St. Phoebe’s Feast Day! Today is a day to celebrate the vocation of the diaconate. More than ever, the world needs deacons and the diaconate needs women! The Synod’s Final Document says that: “Deacons respond to the specific needs of each local Church, particularly reawakening and sustaining everyone’s attention to the poorest in a Church which
- [Carrying Phoebe](https://discerningdeacons.org/carrying-phoebe/) - This reflection was published in the August 20, 2025 issue of Discerning Deacons’ newsletter The Witness. Subscribe to receive reflections like these in your email inbox every 1-2 weeks, along with a digest of upcoming events and opportunities to connect with the mission of Discerning Deacons. All we know about St. Phoebe is condensed into two verses
- [Building resilience to stay the course](https://discerningdeacons.org/building-resilience-to-stay-the-course/) - For this week’s reflection, I want to share about the experiences of two leaders in our network—we’ll call them Olympias and Nonna in honor of two historical women deacons—who have been doing their part to grow the conversation about women deacons in their local communities. I think their journeys in their communities have something to
- [From Birthday Cake to Holy Cards: Mother Cabrini Still Opens Hearts](https://discerningdeacons.org/from-birthday-cake-to-holy-cards-mother-cabrini-still-opens-hearts/) - On Saturday during the midday Miami summer sun (it was hot), I stopped by my local grocery store to pick up a large sheet cake in honor of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s 175th birthday. Yes, we were celebrating her birthday at my parish! The cake was beautiful, lined with roses made of colorful icing. The
- [Summer activities to renew the soul](https://discerningdeacons.org/summer-activities-to-renew-the-soul/) - We hope your summer includes some restful days with friends and family – and your community of discerning deacons! In the midst of many national and global challenges, we invite you to several Discerning Deacons virtual summer activities intended to renew the soul and ignite hope.We invite you to join us next Monday, July 14
- [Together we can row through any storm](https://discerningdeacons.org/together-we-can-row-through-any-storm/) - Together we can row through any storm. This was one of my hopeful take-aways as I participated in the recent gathering of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the U.S. (ACHTUS). Theologians, student scholars, and several community partners gathered in Portland to celebrate 40 years of Hispanic/Latine theology and scholarship to accompany those on
- [A Paschal Event: Seeing the Wounds on His Glorified Body](https://discerningdeacons.org/a-paschal-event-seeing-the-wounds-on-his-glorified-body/) - The day after Pope Leo XIV’s election, I was in a funk.After the rush of excitement the previous evening, staying up until 4 am the night of the new pope’s election to file stories, I was feeling a kind of ecclesial hangover.In his address to the College of Cardinals the next day, Pope Leo XIV proposed
- [Pursuing Peace and Justice: Women’s Roles in Our Evolving Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/pursuing-peace-and-justice-womens-roles-in-our-evolving-church/) - Since Pope Leo XIV’s election, I have been excited to hear him speak about what will be some of his priorities – building bridges, promoting dialogue, peacemaking, continuing to become a synodal Church. These are all things we care about as diaconal people in ministry, and it’s exciting to think about the ways we can
- [DD Statement on Election of Pope Leo XIV](https://discerningdeacons.org/dd-press-release-on-election-of-pope-leo-xiv/) - For Immediate Release: May 8, 2025 Catholic Women’s Organization Celebrates New Pope Leaders from Discerning Deacons are hopeful after the historic election of Pope Leo XIV; say it signals a Church ever more open to the gifts of all who serve Leaders from Discerning Deacons, an organization working to engage Catholics about the
- [A Pope Who Knelt to Serve: Honoring Francis’ Diaconal Legacy](https://discerningdeacons.org/a-pope-who-knelt-to-serve-honoring-francis-diaconal-legacy/) - Pope Francis began his papacy by kneeling. It was Holy Thursday, just three weeks after his election in 2013. While tradition would have placed him at the grand Basilica of St. John Lateran, Pope Francis chose instead to go to a youth prison on the outskirts of Rome. There, in a concrete chapel at Casal
- [A Finger Pointing to the Moon: A Eulogy for Pope Francis](https://discerningdeacons.org/a-finger-pointing-to-the-moon-a-eulogy-for-pope-francis/) - The following eulogy was delivered on Tuesday, April 29 by Anna Robertson, Director of Distributed Organizing for Discerning Deacons, during a memorial Mass for Pope Francis hosted by local Jesuit Works and the St. Joseph and St. Therese Parish Family. You can watch a video of Anna delivering the eulogy here or below the text
- [Prayers for our Church at a pivotal moment](https://discerningdeacons.org/prayers-for-our-church-at-a-pivotal-moment/) - Today the conclave begins to choose the 267th pope. We pray for an overflow of the Holy Spirit to be poured on our brother cardinals as they take up their responsibility. May they keep their hearts open to the realities and to the sufferings of humankind, and to our hopes and dreams for the future.
- [Carrying the Synodal Dream Forward: A Tribute to Pope Francis](https://discerningdeacons.org/carrying-the-synodal-dream-forward-a-tribute-to-pope-francis/) - Discerning Deacons joins with you and with people of diverse faiths throughout our world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. We are grateful for the gift of his remarkable life and papacy which sparked hope for a Church that recommits to going outside of itself to encounter, listen and walk with those on the
- [Jesus asks us, “Do you want to be well?”](https://discerningdeacons.org/jesus-asks-us-do-you-want-to-be-well/) - During this Lenten season, it’s been an honor to be among the presenter team for the annual Novena of Grace hosted by Seattle’s Ignatian Spirituality Center. This year’s retreat centers on the theme “Cultivating Seeds of Hope.” Below is an excerpt from the reflection I offered on the Gospel last week in which Jesus asks
- [Protagonists in the Continental Stage](https://discerningdeacons.org/protagonists/) - The USCCB has been working in concert with the Canadian Catholic Bishops to carry out 10 virtual sessions (only a few remaining!) and formally consult with bishops and lay delegates during the continental stage of the global synod. The USCCB will also host a listening session for national organizations that are contributing to the process in “Region
- [Becoming a Church that listens and discerns together](https://discerningdeacons.org/church-that-listens/) - The second phase of the global synod is underway and by October 18, 2022 we’ll have guidelines from the Vatican about the next leg of this journey – the continental phase! We can think of no better guide to help us glean learnings from the initial phase and to prepare ourselves for yet another year
- [What is Synodality?](https://discerningdeacons.org/what-is-synodality/) - Ellie and I attended the Leadership Roundtable’s Catholic Leaders Summit last week. This annual gathering brings together diocesan leaders, clergy, university presidents, theologians, Catholic non-profit and business leaders, along with folks that have practical management experience and who want to help the Church be run with more accountability. I was humbled to be part of a
- [Sensing the Synodal Spirit Moving in Creative Expressions](https://discerningdeacons.org/sensing-the-synodal-spirit-moving-in-creative-expressions/) - Pat Ball, Guest Contributor for Discerning Deacons Last week was such an exciting and enriching week for me. I felt the Holy Spirit hovering and whispering in so many ways, some of which have been mind blowing. I sensed the Spirit in my bones the day I read in the National Catholic Reporter that Loyola
- [Five moments from the historic Latin American Ecclesial Assembly](https://discerningdeacons.org/five-moments-from-the-historic-latin-american-ecclesial-assembly/) - Promoting the active participation of women in Church ministries, governance, discernment and ecclesial decision making emerged as one of 12 key challenges in the first ever Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America and the Caribbean. Taking place near the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City and virtually during the last week in November,
- [The only way forward is together](https://discerningdeacons.org/the-only-way-forward-is-together/) - We have returned from an extraordinary pilgrimage to Rome, eager to share with you the hope of the synodal, listening and discerning process in which the Church is inviting us to walk forward together.Our delegation from Discerning Deacons (Casey Stanton, Ellie Hidalgo, Lisa Amman) and the commission studying the diaconate of Núcleo Mujeres REPAM (Doris
- [Initial Response to the Instrumentum Laboris](https://discerningdeacons.org/initial-response-to-the-instrumentum-laboris/) - July 10, 2024 My son, Teddy, turned ten yesterday. We celebrated with ice cream sundaes and a family game night. We reviewed old photos and videos. Now that Oscar Francis (8 months old already!) is crawling all over, I can appreciate in a whole new light the lightning pace of growth and development that a
- [Co-responsible in the synodal project of peacemaking](https://discerningdeacons.org/co-responsible-in-the-synodal-project-of-peacemaking/) - The following text is excerpted from a reflection originally offered on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time at St. Joseph Parish in Seattle, WA. You can listen to the full reflection here. Jesus walked the earth during a time when there was a lot of Messianic fervor among his fellow Jews. Living under the boot
- ["Called to remain open to a wider participation"](https://discerningdeacons.org/called-to-remain-open-to-a-wider-participation/) - “These ten [study] groups…are called to remain open to a wider participation, that of the entire people of God.” - Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General for the Synod of Bishops I whooped at our breakfast table yesterday when I read this update on the official Instagram account for the Vatican synod office. Since the Vatican
- [Calling on women of courage and confidence](https://discerningdeacons.org/calling-on-women-of-courage-and-confidence/) - About a month ago my DD colleagues Anna Robertson and Lisa Amman each texted me at the end of the same day, saying how they went down a rabbit hole studying the women of the Colonnade on St. Peter’s Square in Rome in preparation for an upcoming activity with college students. Their messages were animated:
- [A faint light on the other side of the river](https://discerningdeacons.org/a-faint-light-on-the-other-side-of-the-river/) - We're in the final days of the month-long Synod Assembly in Rome. Casey and I are heading back home, having seen off Lisa, Maureen, and Anna a few days ago – buoyed by your prayers, by the graces, and by a sense of the Spirit guiding the journey, even as we sometimes have experienced turbulent waters.
- [DD Synod Response: Women’s participation is a hallmark of synodality](https://discerningdeacons.org/dd-synod-response-womens-participation-is-a-hallmark-of-synodality/) - As global delegates to the Second Session of the XVI Assembly of the Synod on Synodality completed their work in Rome and published their final document, we are heartened by the momentous conclusion of this three year synod. The final document – framed in terms of the three disciples who meet the risen Christ – roots
- [Thanksgiving: "What comes from the Holy Spirit cannot be stopped"](https://discerningdeacons.org/thanksgiving-what-comes-from-the-holy-spirit-cannot-be-stopped/) - The final document from the Synod states: “what comes from the Holy Spirit cannot be stopped.”Today we write our Thanksgiving message with profound gratitude for the remarkable ways in which the Holy Spirit has been guiding each and every one of us to keep moving forward with the promise of synodality and the hope of
- [Implementing Synod outcomes – what is ours to do?](https://discerningdeacons.org/implementing-synod-outcomes-what-is-ours-to-do/) - Discerning Deacons recently gathered together with board members and several dedicated leaders at St. John’s Abbey Guesthouse in Collegeville, Minnesota for a few days of prayer, reflection, and visioning. We were pleased to see pages of the hand-written and hand-illuminated Saint John’s Bible and to be reminded of the collaborative efforts of St. Benedict and
- [Women and forced migration: Being Christ’s presence today](https://discerningdeacons.org/women-and-forced-migration-being-christs-presence-today/) - Recently, the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO), invited Discerning Deacons to participate in a U.N. parallel event entitled, “Women and Forced Migration: Addressing Challenges and Promoting Rights.” Dermis de Jesús and Maureen O’Connell traveled to NYC for the event. Dermis, a parish lay leader at St. Vincent De Paul Church in Philadelphia and
- [Hearing, honoring, and believing women’s faith stories](https://discerningdeacons.org/hearing-honoring-and-believing-womens-faith-stories/) - Reflection for the celebration of St. Phoebe by Rhonda Miska A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke (24:1-11) "At daybreak on the first day of the week, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb…behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them. They said to them, ‘Why
- [St. Phoebe inspires creative and hope-filled celebrations](https://discerningdeacons.org/st-phoebe-inspires-creative-and-hope-filled-celebrations/) - Throughout September, Catholics at more than 130 parishes, schools, universities, and Catholic institutions in the U.S. and beyond are growing the awareness of St. Phoebe and lifting up women’s voices as we share our experience of God’s love in our midst. As creative witnesses and reflections are pouring in we’ll share some highlights with you
- ["Phoebe Deacon Icon," by Cheryl Liske, OP](https://discerningdeacons.org/phoebe-deacon-icon-by-cheryl-liske-op/) - St. Phoebe, DeaconIcon by Cheryl Liske10”w x 14”hEgg Tempera on boardCompleted Spring of 2024Artist StatementPhoebe appears in Paul’s letter to the Romans, in which he exhorts the Romans: “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.” Paul writes, “I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a
- [St. Phoebe, pray for us!](https://discerningdeacons.org/st-phoebe-pray-for-us-2024/) - Happy Feast Day, St. Phoebe! A blessed feast day for all the women and men for whom the charism of the diaconate—to respond generously to the pastoral needs in our communities—touches our vocational call. It’s a joyful day for the many parish, school and university communities who already receive the diaconal ministry of women and who will
- [Deacons – Painters of the Merciful Face of God](https://discerningdeacons.org/deacons-painters-of-the-merciful-face-of-god/) - Deacons and their wives who traveled from around the world to Rome for the Jubilee of Deacons, Feb. 21-23, found themselves fervently praying for the health of Pope Francis, whose condition became critical. Even so, the Holy Father’s words of hope to deacons and their families reverberated throughout the Basilica of St. Peter as his homily was
- [Striving to be angels of hope](https://discerningdeacons.org/striving-to-be-angels-of-hope/) - This week marked the 33rd World Day of Prayer for the Sick. I was not aware of this particular Commemoration – but I’m grateful for our pastor mentioning it at Mass this Sunday as it led me to Pope Francis’ message for the occasion, titled “Hope does not disappoint (Rom 5:5) but strengthens us in
- ["A deep privilege to serve and accompany my local community"](https://discerningdeacons.org/a-deep-privilege-to-serve-and-accompany-my-local-community/) - Desire. Passion. Call. For almost 40 years I have lived out a call to diakonia as a lay ecclesial minister in the Catholic Church. As a child my family nurtured my faith, I longed for the sacraments and sought to draw closer to God. At all ages, I have desired to know God better and have
- [Checking in with Jesus about your Baptism](https://discerningdeacons.org/checking-in-with-jesus-about-your-baptism/) - By Lisa Amman, Deputy Director of Engagement at Discerning DeaconsThis week as we Celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, Jesus’ Baptism in the Jordan, I’m reminded of my dear colleague and mentor Sr. Josetta Marie Spencer, SSND. When I was a young and new ecclesial minister at my first parish, I had the fortune to
- [Deacons love the second day of Christmas...](https://discerningdeacons.org/deacons-love-the-second-day-of-christmas/) - Deacons love the second day of Christmas—because on this second day of Christmas, Catholics remember St. Stephen the Archdeacon and Protomartyr.In the Acts of the Apostles, St. Stephen was among the seven put forward by their respective communities and designated by the Apostles to care for the poor and vulnerable members of the growing Jesus
- [Looking back on 2024: DD’s Year in Review](https://discerningdeacons.org/looking-back-on-2024-dds-year-in-review/) - An essential grace of 2024 is the undeniable movement of the Holy Spirit, whose work cannot be stopped. Through the collaboration of hundreds of synod members participating in the Synod on Synodality – and the courageous testimonies of scores of women serving faithfully in diaconal roles from around the world – the Synod affirmed that
- [“Turning my worries over to Mary, I felt peace returned to me”](https://discerningdeacons.org/turning-my-worries-over-to-mary-i-felt-peace-returned-to-me/) - As a Cuban-American Catholic girl, my childhood was shaped by two Marys: La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre and Madonna of the Street, my mother’s favorite. It wasn’t until I moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s that I encountered Our Lady of Guadalupe. Over time, she became my go-to Mary — a
- [We do belong to one another](https://discerningdeacons.org/we-do-belong-to-one-another/) - On November 16, we observed the anniversary of the assassination of six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper, and her daughter at El Salvador’s University of Central America (UCA). Under the leadership of UCA president Fr. Ignacio Ellacuría, SJ, who was among those killed that night, the university had become a bastion of vocal opposition to the
- [Bishop Georg Bätzing of Germany speaks favorably about the country’s synodal path and the question of women deacons. (La Croix International)](https://discerningdeacons.org/bishop-georg-batzing-of-germany-speaks-favorably-about-the-countrys-synodal-path-and-the-question-of-women-deacons-la-croix-international/) - Top German bishop presses on with Church reform, promises to involve VaticanPresident of Catholic bishops' conference in Germany says local Churches must be allowed to find solutions to pressing questions like the diaconate for women Continue Reading at La Croix International
- [For every Francis, a Clare](https://discerningdeacons.org/for-every-francis-a-clare/) - By Maureen O'Connell March 15, 2013 at 4:16 p.m. EDT Although historically shut out of the frescoed halls of power in Vatican City and more mundane but just as exclusive rectories and chancelleries around the world, Catholic women might find a place for leadership under the new papacy after all. As the talking heads have been
- [What does Jesus ask of women in a violent world?](https://discerningdeacons.org/what-does-jesus-ask-of-women-in-a-violent-world/) - Restoring women to the order of deacons could grow the Church’s peacemaking efforts By Ellie Hidalgo This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of El Ignaciano. One week into my pastoral ministry work at Dolores Mission Church in East Los Angeles, I received an urgent phone call. The grandson of one of our
- [Stewarding ancient trees and traditions](https://discerningdeacons.org/stewarding-ancient-trees-and-traditions/) - Our DD team of five gathered in Seattle last week for our first in-person meeting since January. It was my first time in that part of our country. The mountain ranges, the cool lakes, the blackberries on demand, and the crisp (nearly mosquito free!) air made for a nourishing setting for us to breathe and
- [Summer reading recommendations from DD](https://discerningdeacons.org/summer-reading-recommendations-from-dd/) - We hope your summer includes opportunities for rest, reflection and restoration! Following the publication of the Synod’s Instrumentum Laboris for the second gathering of the General Assembly, there has been a flurry of good articles to read about Synod preparations alongside commentary about women’s participation in the Church. We have a few to recommend for
- [Women Deacons Revisited](https://discerningdeacons.org/women-deacons-revisited/) - Women Deacons Revisited by Anthony Gooley In an interview with the 60 Minutes which aired on CBS T.V. on May 20, 2024, in the USA, Pope Francis expressed a clear no to the possibility of ordaining women as deacons. It is worth exploring what he said and the implications of what he said given that
- [Testimony as the gift we share](https://discerningdeacons.org/testimony-as-the-gift-we-share/) - A word of gratitude to the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests (AUSCP), who during their recent annual assembly in Lexington, June 24-27, welcomed local Catholic women to join them in a conversation during the dynamic keynote session by Dr. Kim Harris of Loyola Marymount University, “You can tell the world! Testimony as a gift we
- [“Sometimes I’m tired, but I go because I need to be there for the people.”](https://discerningdeacons.org/sometimes-im-tired-but-i-go-because-i-need-to-be-there-for-the-people/) - An interview with Rosella Kinoshameg Rosella Kinoshameg is from the Odawa/Ojibway people and lives in the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Reserve in Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. She’s a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother – and a retired registered nurse who worked for more than 50 years with First Nation communities as a Community Health Nurse. In 2000
- [There is still time for Pope Francis to listen to women](https://discerningdeacons.org/there-is-still-time-for-pope-francis-to-listen-to-women/) - The pope’s recent interview on 60 Minutes – in which he said that “no” a girl cannot dream to one day be an ordained deacon – has prompted many people to offer varying perspectives on how to interpret this fragile moment in the Interim Phase of the Synod on Communion, Participation and Mission. This week
- [DD Response: The Discernment is Still Alive](https://discerningdeacons.org/dd-response-the-discernment-is-still-alive/) - As leaders of Discerning Deacons, we were surprised by Pope Francis’ comments given in a recent interview for 60 Minutes because our global Church is in the middle of a three-year synod consultation process which the Holy Father initiated with the People of God. We know of the Holy Father’s commitment to transform the culture of
- [(Still) dreaming dreams about the diaconate](https://discerningdeacons.org/still-dreaming-dreams-about-the-diaconate/) - A few months ago I authored a reflection titled, “The Pope is “…very much in favor of a female diaconate.”So imagine my surprise (shock/sadness/anger) as I watched Pope Francis seem to undermine his own synodal process when he indicated in an interview with 60 Minutes reporter Norah O’Donnell – that “no” a girl cannot dream to
- [This Pentecost: Have confidence in the power of love](https://discerningdeacons.org/this-pentecost-have-confidence-in-the-power-of-love/) - This year, Jesus’ Ascension, Mother’s Day and Pentecost are back-to-back Sundays. As I reflect on the role which mothers, grandmothers, tías/aunts, and madrinas/godmothers have had in my life, I am reminded of something Pope Francis said at the start of this year on World Peace Day: “The world, too, needs to look to mothers and
- [St. Phoebe Day Round-Up](https://discerningdeacons.org/st-phoebe-day-round-up/) - On Sunday, September 3rd – the feast day of St. Phoebe – scores of women in ministry were received in the Lord as Catholic parishes welcomed them to share reflections or witness testimonies that highlighted the renewal of the diaconate for a synodal, missionary Church.It was a day to recognize the many contributions women make
- [Parishes report hope-filled Phoebe Day celebrations](https://discerningdeacons.org/parishes-report-hope-filled-phoebe-day-celebrations/) - As 160+ parishes, schools, universities, retreat centers and Catholic organizations celebrate St. Phoebe in September, parishes are reporting hope-filled experiences energizing Catholics to pray for the upcoming Synod Assembly in Rome. “We had a really wonderful celebration at College Church. Both women and men were very excited at the prospect of greater inclusion of women
- [Sharing the overflow](https://discerningdeacons.org/sharing-the-overflow/) - As we wrap up a month-long celebration of St. Phoebe there’s a distinct feeling of “the overflow“–an expression Pope Francis uses to describe the experience of grace when a way, at last appears, often after a season of patient waiting.Our hope was to stoke the flames of devotion to St. Phoebe and awareness of her
- [Parishes celebrate St. Phoebe with educational events](https://discerningdeacons.org/parishes-celebrate-st-phoebe-with-educational-events/) - We’re delighted to share that based on the reports parishes and schools have been submitting, an estimated 38,000 people have participated in Phoebe Day celebrations! One of the many ways parishes have celebrated St. Phoebe in September is to organize educational events to raise awareness of women’s ministerial roles at the beginning of Christianity –
- [Rebuilding our Church by renewing diakonia](https://discerningdeacons.org/rebuilding-our-church-by-renewing-diakonia/) - Many thanks to the more than 1,000 people and the half dozen watch parties who participated in our April 29th webinar Discerning Diakonia! We welcomed participants from the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia. If you were not able to join us, you can watch the recording here in English or Spanish. Several
- [Is the Holy Spirit prompting the renewal of the diaconate?](https://discerningdeacons.org/is-the-holy-spirit-prompting-the-renewal-of-the-diaconate/) - Recently I said to my young adult nieces and nephews: If there is one thing you can do this year to support the discernment about women and the diaconate, this is it! Come and participate in Discerning Diakonia on Monday, April 29th and join with hundreds of others virtually to talk about women’s participation in
- [“Imagine what it could do for the world if women who are called to the vocation of deacon could say yes wholeheartedly.”](https://discerningdeacons.org/wim-dermis-de-jesus/) - An interview with Dermis de Jesús Dermis de Jesús is a lay leader at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Germantown, near Philadelphia. Dermis serves her parish as a lay leader of prayer, lector, cantor, coordinator of the children’s choir, co-coordinator of Spanish language ministry, and she participates in praise dance. She and her husband
- [“I watch women…claim their call to preach with more confidence and love.”](https://discerningdeacons.org/wim-rhonda-miska/) - An interview with Rhonda Miska Rhonda Miska strives to live out her vocational call to preach. She serves at the Church of St. Timothy in Blaine, Minnesota, is a member of the Catholic Women Preach Advisory Board, and is the founder and co-convener of the Catholic Women’s Preaching Circle. Rhonda holds a MA in Pastoral
- [Study Groups an Encouraging Step on the Synodal Path](https://discerningdeacons.org/study-groups-an-encouraging-step-on-the-synodal-path/) - DD Public Statement The Vatican recently announced that a group will be formed to study ministerial roles. Some headlines would lead us to believe that the question of ordaining women to the diaconate is once again being kicked down the road to be resolved some other time or never. However, we at Discerning Deacons recognize
- [“The diaconate would give me more liberty and tranquility to serve God’s people”](https://discerningdeacons.org/wim-interview-bonilla/) - An interview with Rosa Bonilla As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we want to inaugurate including more stories of women who serve in ministry in our Catholic churches and institutions. Today, we’re featuring an interview with Rosa Bonilla, pastoral assistant since 2012 at Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights-East Los Angeles. Active in the parish
- [Seeing in St. Peter’s mother-in-law a model of diakonia](https://discerningdeacons.org/seeing-in-st-peters-mother-in-law-a-model-of-diakonia/) - The newsletter in which this post originally appeared included a reflection by Pilar Siman on Isaiah 64:1. Pilar is a clinical social worker, spiritual director, wife, mother to two daughters and parishioner at St. Hugh Church in Miami where she volunteers with the children’s liturgy. She preached her reflection live at the February 2024 St. Phoebe
- [The Pope is “...very much in favor of the female diaconate”](https://discerningdeacons.org/pope-in-favor-of-female-diaconate/) - You read it correctly! Pope Francis, according to Sr. Linda Pocher, is “very much in favor of the female diaconate.” Last week Pope Francis sought counsel from three wise women: Sr. Linda Pocher, a theologian and expert on Marian-Petrine matters; Giuliva Di Berardino, a liturgist, educator, and consecrated virgin from Italy; and Rev. Jo Bailey Wells,
- [Called to Serve - Two Women's Witness](https://discerningdeacons.org/called-to-serve/) - https://youtu.be/yjdEt8PMsX4 Today we release a short introduction to two women seeking ordination to the diaconate in the Boston region: Philomėne Pèan and Kelly Meraw. Both of them are working in full time positions to serve members of their communities and churches, and feel a longing to be ordained as deacons. This would, they say, be
- [Catholic Women Deacons? A Discernment & Listening Session](https://discerningdeacons.org/catholic-women-deacons-event/) - New date!! Sunday, March 13th, 2022 | 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm* The question of women and the diaconate is a living conversation and an active discernment in our Church. In a listening, participatory and synodal Church, it is a question not only for Synods of Bishops and papal commissions, but it is a discernment for the entire people of
- [A year-end Discerning Deacons examen](https://discerningdeacons.org/2021examen/) - A year ago we (Casey Stanton and Ellie Hidalgo) and Luke Hansen were in the midst of shepherding and participating in a virtual retreat/workshop: discern, dream and scheme. In the center of this Advent time of reflecting, praying, journaling – we were invited to dream. How might we grow the conversation and serve the discernment
- [[Webinar Recording] Discerning Deacons Serves the Synod: How Can US and Latin American Catholics walk together on this synodal journey as one Church?](https://discerningdeacons.org/webinar-discerning-deacons-serves-the-synod-how-can-us-and-latin-american-catholics-walk-together-on-this-synodal-journey-as-one-church/) - The Recording is available! February 9, 2022 Webinar - English As we seek to go on the synodal path here in the US, Mauricio López, director of the Pastoral Center for Social Action and CELAM Networks, will share his insights and reflections from the first Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America and the Caribbean -- an unprecedented
- [Never Underestimate the Power of the Spirit​](https://discerningdeacons.org/power-of-the-spirit/) - On Monday, April 4th nearly 50 college students from across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia gathered at La Salle University for a cross-campus listening session as part of the first phase of the global “Synod on Synodality.” The event was the culmination of a six-week effort across 14 participating institutions–involving all 11 Catholic campus communities and
- [When the peripheries welcome the universal Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/universal-church/) - It’s been said that Church councils can take up to 100 years to mature into their fullest expression. A seed of a vision is planted -- and then it takes several generations for that vision to grow its roots and extend its branches. This growth is not without tension as the People are God are
- [2022: A year-end Discerning Deacons examen](https://discerningdeacons.org/2022-year-end-examen/) - We offer today’s reflection as an examen, a review of the remarkable synodal path on which we have been traveling. A year ago, December, we were eagerly planning for how best to accompany, train and equip potential Synod Animators as they organized local listening consultations in their dioceses for the first phase of the global
- [Phoebe Day Kickoff Calls](https://discerningdeacons.org/phoebe-day-kickoff-calls/) - Will your community join Discerning Deacons in September 2023 as we pray for the synod, celebrate women's gifts, and bear witness to the critical and urgent call to re-think women's participation in the Church echoed across every continent during the synod? Whether you've already got your Phoebe Day celebration on the parish calendar or are
- [An International Women’s Day Round-up of Diaconal Protagonists](https://discerningdeacons.org/womens_day_protagonists/) - Today we celebrate International Women’s Day. We celebrate Catholic women and the difference we make for our families, our faith communities, and for those on the margins and the peripheries of our world.In the global synod’s continental stage document, the report from the Holy Land notes: “Those who were most committed to the synod process were
- [Discerning Deacons Applauds Pope Francis’ Decision Allowing Lay Women To Vote At Upcoming Synod Assembly](https://discerningdeacons.org/discerning-deacons-applauds-pope-francis-decision-allowing-lay-women-to-vote-at-upcoming-synod-assembly/) - Following Pope Francis’ pivotal decision to expand participation in the Vatican’s upcoming Synod of Bishops to include lay men and women, Discerning Deacons released the following statement: “Discerning Deacons is thrilled by this historic announcement. The Pope’s decision demonstrates a Church that is already listening to the cries and hopes of the people of God.
- [Mary’s month and the overflow of graces](https://discerningdeacons.org/marys-month/) - We begin May, the month of Mary, already experiencing an overflow of graces and good news to share. We applaud Pope Francis’ pivotal decision to expand participation in the Vatican’s upcoming Synod of Bishops to include lay women and men. We could hardly contain our excitement!This global Synod on Communion, Participation, and Mission launches the Universal phase of
- [St. Phoebe, pray for us!](https://discerningdeacons.org/st-phoebe-pray-for-us/) - Day 5 of the Novena to St. PhoebeAfter months of planning and preparation, we are delighted to embark on Phoebe Day celebrations with you this weekend. As of this week, 160+ Catholic parishes, high schools, universities, retreat centers and organizations will commemorate the feast of St. Phoebe throughout the month of September. We will pray
- [Advent’s active waiting  ](https://discerningdeacons.org/advents-active-waiting/) - Advent is a season of waiting. In our everyday lives, we wait for many things, both mundane and profound. We wait for the bus, we wait for the sunrise, we wait for test results. We wait for things to begin and things to end. For 9 months, we wait for children to be born. We
- [2023 A year-end Discerning Deacons review: Stewards of the Question](https://discerningdeacons.org/2023-a-year-end-dd-review/) - “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it.”St. Paul to the Thessalonians 5:24From your local parish, to dioceses around the country, to five continents, to the historic Vatican Synod on Communion, Participation and Mission, a question about women and the diaconate is being asked. The question is raised in different
- [Can a church do without deacons?](https://discerningdeacons.org/can-a-church-do-without-deacons/) - During the first session of the Synod on Synodality, I happened to be the only Roman Catholic permanent deacon. I was told several times by some of the bishops present: “We do not need deacons, because we still have enough priestly vocations”. A recognizable reaction perhaps, but at the same time too short-sighted. It makes
- [Baptism anoints us with the power to do good](https://discerningdeacons.org/baptism-anoints-us-with-the-power-to-do-good/) - This week we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord, the first of the Luminous Mysteries. I contemplate this mystery, turning it over in my mind as the beads twirl in my hand: What difference does Jesus’ baptism make? This moment when God anoints “Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power.” (Acts 10:38) It’s the beginning of Jesus’
- [Pope Francis, Sister Thea Bowman and Dr. Cynthia Bailey Manns](https://discerningdeacons.org/pope-francis-sister-thea-bowman-and-dr-cynthia-bailey-manns/) - I continue to be humbled by and grateful for Pope Francis’ appointment to participate in the Synod on Synodality in October 2023 and 2024. I expected an incredible, life changing experience and that is the gift I received.I spent September 28th thru October 30th in Rome as one of fifty-four women delegates, who for the
- [Giving thanks for the call of diaconal ministry at the margins](https://discerningdeacons.org/giving-thanks/) - On the eve of the celebration of Thanksgiving in the U.S., we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your commitment to ministry – with those at the margins, young people, the infirm, migrants – wherever the need for hope and love is greatest.May this season of gratitude bring
- [A word to the synod assembly delegates – Thank you!](https://discerningdeacons.org/a-word-to-the-synod-assembly-delegates-thank-you/) - After a month-long presence in Rome during the Synod on Communion, Participation, and Mission, we have returned to our homes with gratitude-filled hearts. We want to thank the synod delegates who journeyed to the Vatican from all parts of the globe, representing diverse cultures and languages while seeking greater communion for our Church in the
- [Guide Our Feet in the Way of Peace: Synodality as Peacebuilding](https://discerningdeacons.org/guide-our-feet-in-the-way-of-peace-synodality-as-peacebuilding/) - This morning, I attended the synod’s closing Mass here in Rome, where I was reminded of the view from the opening Mass, which I attended with Discerning Deacons’ young adult pilgrims. Doves circled above St. Peter’s Basilica—a symbol of the Holy Spirit and of peace that has lingered with me throughout the month accompanying the
- [On the Side of the Synod from Rural Australia](https://discerningdeacons.org/on-the-side-of-the-synod-from-rural-australia/) - I’m writing from Rome, where I’ve been since the end of September and where there is a buzz of anticipation in the air as the final days of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops progress. This past Wednesday, the Assembly released a letter to the People of God that expressed the hope that
- [Contributing to our global Church as synod ambassadors](https://discerningdeacons.org/contributing-to-our-global-church-as-synod-ambassadors/) - What a blessed pilgrimage we are having here in Rome! It’s been an extraordinary, grace-filled week.Discerning Deacons hosted a synodal discernment at the Lasallian Generalate with college students from Fordham University, the College of St. Benedict and the University of Notre Dame on Monday, October 16. A team of six of us, headed by Maureen
- [Synod – Listening that Liberates](https://discerningdeacons.org/synod-listening-that-liberates/) - Sitting in St. Peter’s Square during the ecumenical prayer vigil before the Synod Assembly began, my mind buzzed with many things – plotting social media posts, worrying about a struggling friend, wondering if public transportation would be crowded after the service. I caught myself and took a breath, hoping to calm the hum of my brain and
- [Be Thou Opened](https://discerningdeacons.org/be-opened/) - A reflection prepared for Immaculate Conception Parish, Durham NC Offered on September 5, 2021 || The Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time by Casey Stanton The Jesus of Mark’s Gospel doesn’t come to play. His mission is urgent and told at a breakneck speed. By Chapter 2, he can’t go anywhere without the crowds pressing
- [Sharing the fruits from our season of listening](https://discerningdeacons.org/sharing-the-fruits-from-our-season-of-listening/) - “A Church that teaches must be firstly a Church that listens.” Pope Francis Discerning Deacons has responded to Pope Francis’ call for a synodal church. During the summer of 2021, more than 1,500 Catholics from Canada, India and the United States gathered via video conference and in-person to actively discern the question of women and
- [Invitation: A Way to Walk Together for a Synodal Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/invitation-a-way-to-walk-together-for-a-synodal-church/) - “For a synodal church: communion, participation, mission” is underway. Convoked on October 10, 2021 and set to conclude October 2023 in Rome, we are right now in the midst of, perhaps, the largest consultation of people on the earth that has ever been carried out. Throughout the world people are creatively responding to the invitation.
- [Transforming and transformed on the synodal path in Rome](https://discerningdeacons.org/transforming-in-rome/) - In 2021, a little over a year before my own path would bring me to Discerning Deacons, members of Discerning Deacons’ staff found themselves shaking hands with Pope Francis while in Rome for the Opening Mass of the Synod on Communion, Participation and Mission. They gave the Holy Father the gift of Laura James’ image of St.
- [St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community, Minneapolis, Celebrates St. Phoebe Day](https://discerningdeacons.org/st-joan-of-arc-phoebe-day/) - MINNEAPOLIS – Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Community, a parish of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, celebrated Deacon St. Phoebe at its Masses on Sunday, September 17, with liturgical fanfare, speakers testifying to the history of women deacons and high hopes for women’s officially recognized leadership in today’s Church, and the sublime voices
- [Phoebe, Mother of Preachers](https://discerningdeacons.org/phoebe-mother-of-preachers/) - Barbara Pegg, a lay Dominican, shared this image and title of Phoebe with the circle of women preparing to reflect on the Word at my home parish in Durham, NC this weekend. It brings to mind the many women preachers I have known – Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, non-denominational, United Methodist, Pentecostal, AME – I think
- [St. Phoebe's Swirling Energy](https://discerningdeacons.org/phoebes-energy/) - The week of the Opening Mass for the Synod in Rome back in October 2021, Ellie and I found ourselves in an educational meeting with a member of the Dicastery for Divine Worship. We were curious to understand what the path might look like for St. Phoebe to be restored in our calendar of saints, which would
- [Women of the Church – Spirit-filled, lively, inspiring](https://discerningdeacons.org/woc-spirit-filled-lively-inspiring/) - DD staff were delighted to participate in the recent Women of the Church national conference in Collegeville, MN. We are grateful to conference organizers Meg Payne Nelson, Kelley Deshler, Donelle Poling, and Angela Dimler who worked behind the scenes for over a year to prepare a Spirit-filled, lively, and inspiring event. Heidi Schlumpf, Executive Editor of NCR
- [The Good News continues on the Synodal Path!](https://discerningdeacons.org/the-good-news-continues-on-the-synodal-path/) - As many of you have heard – the working document for the global synod called the Instrumentum Laboris was published three weeks ago. We have been overjoyed with the extraordinary good news – that the state of the question of women’s roles in the Church was indeed named as one of the priority themes to
- [Who was St. Phoebe?](https://discerningdeacons.org/who-was-st-phoebe/) - St. Phoebe Prayer Service for a Synodal ChurchJuly 3, 2023 by the Baltimore Deacon’s CircleColleen McCahill’s reflection followingOverheard: Paul and Phoebe have tea (a creative dialogue) and Ephesians 2:19-22 Phoebe was a woman of means–a woman of resources: spiritual resources, emotional resources, temporal resources. Phoebe had money. She was one of only five particular people
- [Witnessing a Missionary Synodal Church in the Amazon](https://discerningdeacons.org/witnessing-a-missionary-synodal-church-in-the-amazon/) - Responsorial Psalm: The Lord hears the cry of the poor (Psalm 34:7)Two weeks ago the Instrumentum Laboris–the document that will guide the Church in the next phase of the global synod–was released in Rome and shared with the world. I was driving in a truck in Rondônia out of Porto Velho, Brazil on our way into
- [Indigenous women ministry leaders are received by Pope Francis](https://discerningdeacons.org/indigenous-women-ministry-leaders-are-received-by-pope-francis/) - We’re delighted to share with you the extraordinary news that Pope Francis received three prophetic indigenous women ministry leaders from the Amazon in a historic meeting at the Apostolic Palace Library last Thursday, June 1. Franciscan Sr. Laura Vicuña Pereira Manso (Brazil), Patricia Gualinga (Ecuador), and Yesica Patiachi (Peru) journeyed to Rome for a private audience
- [On the Feast of the Visitation and the Eve of a Papal Visit](https://discerningdeacons.org/feast-of-the-visitation/) - Greetings on this Feast of the Visitation! Today seems like a fitting one to share good news with you friends, pilgrims, and fellow discerning deacons…I’m expecting!In our household, this is a source of tremendous delight and anticipation. My about-to-turn 11 and 9 year-old keep track of the baby’s developments, and they eagerly await the day when
- [An Encounter that Continues to Reveal: Our Lady, Juan Diego, and the Church in the Americas](https://discerningdeacons.org/an-encounter-that-continues-to-reveal/) - An Encounter that Continues to Reveal:Our Lady, Juan Diego,and the Church in the Americas Greetings on this Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe,Discerning Deacons and members of the Women and Ministeriality Thematic Core Group of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon-CEAMA joined together to organize an intercontinental pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of
- [Mothers and daughters navigate the future of faith](https://discerningdeacons.org/mothers-and-daughters/) - Ellie Hidalgo’s remarks on receiving the Ignatian Solidarity Network’s Robert M. Holstein Faith Doing Justice Award in NYC on May 10, 2023Thank you Colleen [Dunne] for your wonderful introduction. Many thanks to Chris Kerr and Kelly Swan and the team at Ignatian Solidarity Network for lifting up the work of Discerning Deacons from the moment
- [Midwives of Resurrection Hope](https://discerningdeacons.org/midwives-of-resurrection-hope/) - I am delighted to introduce you to a new image of St. Phoebe commissioned by the Continental Deacon Circle and created by Brother Mickey McGrath! This wise and determined Phoebe was first revealed during our St. Phoebe Prayer for a Synodal Church on May 3rd. In this week’s blog, Teresa Runyon reflects on Mary Magdalene’s
- [Making ‘The Big Shift’ together](https://discerningdeacons.org/making-the-big-shift-together/) - DD Super Fan Jane Leyden Cavanaugh distills a few key insights to open up the imagination for visionary conversations that allow us to be evangelizers of hope. She first presented “The Big Shift” at a reflection session on rethinking women’s participation in the Twin Cities. -Ellie My name is Jane Leyden Cavanaugh, a Discerning Deacons
- [How to Throw a Great Synodal Discernment Party: A Discerning Deacons Recipe](https://discerningdeacons.org/dd-recipe/) - Last week, in their Final Document for the Continental Stage of the Global Synod, the North American Synod Team indicated that we all need to be formed for synodality – all of us! How does this formation happen? By doing the thing. All we need is to circle up for listening, discernment, and forward momentum
- [North Americans are on the synodal path](https://discerningdeacons.org/north-americans-are-on-the-synodal-path/) - Photo by Luke Porter on Unsplash Last Wednesday, the synod teams for the U.S. and Canadian Bishops Conferences released their jointly written North American Final Document for the Continental Stage. The 22-page document (excluding Appendices) captures the process and fruits of an historically unprecedented North American communal discernment of 931 delegates from our two countries
- [Our Easter faith is rooted in a real encounter](https://discerningdeacons.org/our-easter-faith/) - Resurrection | St. John’s Bible | Donald Jackson Reflection for Tuesday, Octave of Easter She saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Then she mistakes him for the gardener – actually, she accuses him of being a grave robber “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I
- [Invited to accompany Jesus along the road](https://discerningdeacons.org/invited-to-accompany-jesus/) - We gathered Monday for our monthly prayer service during which the Chicago Discerning Deacons Circle led us in a “Stations of the Cross from the View of Women Along the Way.”Their reflections guided us in a prayerful meditation on women’s faithful witness to Christ’s ministry, death and resurrection and invited us to recognize the ways
- [Called to Testify: Millie Clark](https://discerningdeacons.org/millie-clark/) - We conclude this last week of women’s history month by recognizing the vital role which mothers, aunts, grandmothers and great grandmothers often have in passing on the faith to the next generation. In this guest reflection, June Caldwell shares a picturesque memory of her late mother Millie Clark’s influence on her faith formation as a
- [God Never Forgets Us](https://discerningdeacons.org/god-never-forgets-us/) - This week’s guest reflection was written by Jennifer Kelly, who serves as a spiritual director and music minister at correctional facilities in Washington State. She offers her testimony, inspired by the readings for Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent. Sanchez came to his cell window with a gentle smile and began reciting, “Let all that
- [Showing Up for the Discernment](https://discerningdeacons.org/showing-up/) - As we launched our Phoebe Day kickoff calls, DD’s Anna Robertson offered the following reflection. This Spirit is moving! Check it out! -Ellie On Tuesday, March 14th, 2023, 100 of us gathered on Zoom for the first of three St. Phoebe Day Kickoff Calls Discerning Deacons is hosting this month. (If you missed the call,
- [Bringing our messiness to God’s transformation mountain](https://discerningdeacons.org/bringing-our-messiness/) - The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Lent is a powerful one. We see Jesus and his three disciples go up to the mountain. They go to the mountain top, and they are transformed. Jesus is transformed through his Transfiguration. His face shines bright like the sun. And how could the disciples experience Christ’s
- [Unleashing the Gifts of Women](https://discerningdeacons.org/unleashing-the-gifts-of-women/) - Discerning Deacons presented the workshop “Unleashing the Gifts of Women for a Synodal Church” at the annual Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in partnership with LA Synod Coordinator Karen Luna. Karen brilliantly highlighted how women are playing pivotal leadership roles in the ministry of facilitating and animating synodal, listening conversations in parishes worldwide!During our February 25th talk
- [We’ve Always Shown Up](https://discerningdeacons.org/weve-always-shown-up/) - “It must get lonely,” I thought to myself as I looked at the icon of Mother Mary to the left of the altar at Duc In Altam, the chapel situated alongside the Sea of Galilee in Magdala. I was a few days into a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Rome with Seattle’s St. James
- [Organizing, Prophetic Communities, and the Diaconate](https://discerningdeacons.org/organizing/) - Our friend Elizabeth Young in Australia had a chance to interview Sr. Nathalie Becquart while she was in Australia as part of the Oceania continental assembly. Check out the full interview here. I’ve reprinted an excerpt here that inspired this week’s reflection! Elizabeth: Through this synodal process, how do you see the promotion and expansion of the
- [Testimonies for those hungry for a word of hope](https://discerningdeacons.org/hungry-for-hope/) - We are called to testify. We are called to testify to the greatness of God, to the vastness of this remarkable universe, to the grace that compels us to keep moving ever so slowly towards God’s vision of justice, peace, righteousness. In this week’s newsletter we congratulate Discerning Deacons collaborator Dr. Yolanda Scott Brown, D.Min. for receiving
- [Women’s preaching makes God’s voice complete](https://discerningdeacons.org/womens-preaching/) - One of my favorite Scripture readings is the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. After she receives the promise of living water from Jesus, she is so taken with this encounter that she immediately walks about her community sharing her testimony. Her evangelizing impact is immediate, and Scripture tells us that many
- [The gifts wise women bring to the church](https://discerningdeacons.org/wise-women/) - Rhonda Miska recently preached about the Epiphany at our monthly St. Phoebe Prayer Service for a Synodal Church. During this January 3 service, ministerial leaders from the region of St. Paul/Minneapolis, Minnesota reflected on the meaning and intersectionality of three stories: the story of the three magi who journey to encounter the Christ Child; the
- [Solidarity, Missionary Outreach, and Prophecy](https://discerningdeacons.org/solidarity/) - Brazilian missionary Sr. Ivoneide Viana de Queiroz recently preached at our monthly St. Phoebe Prayer for a Synodal Church on the Gospel of Luke 1:39-56. During this December 3 service – led by the Women and Ministeriality Thematic Core Group of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon-CEAMA – Sr. Ivoneide prepared us for the Feast
- [Preserving our saltiness, flavor, vim, chispa](https://discerningdeacons.org/preserving-our-saltiness/) - For our February 3rd St. Phoebe Prayer Service, Felicia Johnson O’Brien preached on Matthew 5:13-16. During this celebration we were led joyfully and reverently by the South Bend Discerning Deacons circle – who issued a simple invitation to all of us, to turn to our own neighbors and the diaconal women we know, and come
- [Discerning the Diaconate at Notre Dame](https://discerningdeacons.org/discerning-the-diaconate-at-notre-dame/) - My classmate Sophie McDevitt Funari and I are third year students in the Master of Divinity program at the University of Notre Dame, and on Wednesday, September 28, we had the joy of welcoming Anna Nussbaum Keating and Dr. Phyllis Zagano to campus for a discussion about women and the diaconate. Sophie and I started
- [Hagar’s tears are seen by God](https://discerningdeacons.org/hagars-tears-are-seen-by-god/) - When I was first asked to preach on the topic of ending violence against women for our St. Phoebe Prayer Service on Nov. 3, I immediately said no. I did not feel equipped nor ready to take on this task. To be honest, I felt small, that I didn’t have anything of value to contribute.
- [To Truly See, Recognize, and Appreciate](https://discerningdeacons.org/to-truly-see/) - I came to Seattle from New Jersey in 1982 to serve as a Jesuit Volunteer at St. Joseph Parish. One of my reasons was to discern a vocation to the priesthood. The local church was alive under the leadership of Archbishop Hunthausen, where everyone (lay and clergy) was invited to share their gifts in service
- [The Spirit is poured out on all flesh ](https://discerningdeacons.org/the-spirit-is-poured-out-on-all-flesh/) - Catholicism can feel like a locked room. As if there is one way to be a disciple, to practice and live the faith. There was a period in my faith journey where Catholicism felt like a rigid set of prescriptions and judgments. But the grace of salvation, the meaning of Pentecost, is that God breaks
- [Women as Deacons: A Return to the Sources](https://discerningdeacons.org/women-as-deacons/) - As a high school theology teacher, I field a lot of questions —and anger— about the sacraments and the “rules” (both real and perceived) that surround them. Instead of focusing our energy on what the sacraments can’t do, however, I try to refocus my students on areas of growth that the church does see as
- [Charting steps along the path forward](https://discerningdeacons.org/charting-steps/) - Discerning Deacons was delighted to host two colloquium discussions about women and the diaconate and an exhibitor’s booth at the annual assembly of the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests (AUSCP) in Baltimore, June 20-23. The assembly drew more than 150 priests, in addition to lay and religious supporters. AUSCP priests are known for their ongoing
- [Gratitude, Celebration and Going on Pilgrimage](https://discerningdeacons.org/gratitude/) - We gathered last Thursday evening with a dozen marvelous Synod Animators to offer gratitude and celebrate the milestone of turning in our official listening synthesis! With over 350 consultations and nearly 9,000 people engaged – we reflected on what it is to bring forward our loaf, to trust that it is enough, and to believe
- [Women Deacons and the Australian Plenary Council](https://discerningdeacons.org/women-deacons-and-the-apl/) - After a crisis, there is a new vision. We have come to a turning point in Australia, and there is no going back. The Australian Plenary Council, the highest form of decision-making assembly in our Church, could have been a simple exercise in passing motions that had been discerned after years of Spirit-led consultation. But
- [The holy witnesses of Martha, Mary, Mary Magdalene & the Syrophoenician woman](https://discerningdeacons.org/holy-witnesses/) - Greetings during these weeks of summer. I hope they provide opportunities for you to enjoy parks, swimming pools, beaches or mountains, to reconnect with family and friends, or to engage in a fun hobby awaiting your slower pace.We had hoped to be sharing our synthesis report this week and apologize for its delay as a
- [Giving thanks for the gifts of Ignatian Spirituality](https://discerningdeacons.org/ignatian-spirituality/) - For over 500 years, women have found joy in receiving and sharing the gifts of Ignatian spirituality and have found ways to be deeply involved in Ignatian mission in the world today. As we approach the Feast of St. Ignatius and the end of the Ignatian Year which marks 500 years since Ignatius’ conversion experience,
- [On pilgrimage to grow in freedom, love and service](https://discerningdeacons.org/on-pilgrimage/) - This week I’m traveling with a group of leaders from Dolores Mission Church and School community to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. We will be joining a larger group of women and priests from Discerning Deacons and from Latin America, and our journey will help us to deepen our faith
- [The Power of Listening to Build Community](https://discerningdeacons.org/the-power-of-listening/) - As we complete this first listening and consultation phase of this synod process, we want to take a moment to say – Thank You!Thank you for taking a chance on the power of listening. The transformative, healing, generative power of listening. The power of listening to build connection and community.When Pope Francis celebrated the opening
- [Checking in from Chiapas, Mexico](https://discerningdeacons.org/checking-in-from-chiapas/) - This week marks a month since I set off on a synod-inspired pilgrimage, dragging my family in tow. We spent 11 of the past 30 days journeying together with the vibrant people connected with Misión de Bachajón, a Jesuit Mission of over 60 years accompanying hundreds of Tseltal indigenous communities across a vast territory in
- [‘Help her, who has been a patron to me’](https://discerningdeacons.org/help-her/) - I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is [also] a minister [diakonos] of the church at Cenchreae, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the holy ones, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a benefactor to many and to me
- [Ven con Nosotros al Caminar, Santa María Ven!](https://discerningdeacons.org/ven-con-nosotros/) - I was most looking forward to the singing.After two years of muting ourselves on Zoom while Claire Hitchins led us on guitar—I was eager for harmonies, rounds, the feeling of voices vibrating and echoing in a room.And yet, I was hesitant, wondering how we’d bridge the distances of language, culture, social location as 55 pilgrims gathered together
- [All manner of stamina and dedication](https://discerningdeacons.org/all-manner/) - Hermana Ciria and I walked in the blazing summer sun onto a small wooden boat heading out onto Madre de Dios, a calm river in the Amazon that meanders by Riberalta, Bolivia – the heart of the Bolivian Amazon. A young adult worker on the boat looked at Hermana Ciria and recognized her. “I remember
- [A Bonus Year + Weaving Webs](https://discerningdeacons.org/weaving-webs/) - Pope Francis announced on Sunday that what we thought would be the culmination and conclusion of a two year process – October 2023’s Synod Assembly in Rome – will in fact be a point of convergence along the way. Next October’s Synod gathering will be the first of two such meetings, to help foster and grow a Church more capable
- [Ignatian Family Teach-In: Rooted and Renewing](https://discerningdeacons.org/rooted-and-renewing/) - We’ve just returned from a dynamic 25th Anniversary Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, DC, October 22-24. The event drew some 2,000 students and campus ministers from more than 55 high schools and 25 colleges, in addition to laity, religious and clergy from scores of parishes and other Catholic organizations. The theme, “Rooted and Renewing”, highlights
- [Remembering a diaconal giant, my dear friend Rita Chairez](https://discerningdeacons.org/remembering-rita-chairez/) - It’s All Souls Day and each of us carry in our hearts loved ones whose lives and memories we cherish. My own heart aches to have recently lost a dear friend, community leader and Dolores Mission ministry colleague, Rita Chairez. She passed away October 18 at 62.Mamá Rita, as she was affectionately known by incarcerated people, was
- [All you holy women, pray for us](https://discerningdeacons.org/all-you-holy-women/) - Venerable Henriette DeLille, founder of the Sisters of the Holy Family, a community of African American women, pray for usSt. Gertrude the Great, writer and mystic with a love for the heart of Jesus, pray for usSt. Margaret of Scotland, encourager of Church synods, pray for us One of the gifts of participating in a
- [Preparing for God’s unexpected grace ](https://discerningdeacons.org/preparing-for-gods-unexpected-grace/) - This Advent season, as we prepare our hearts and minds for unexpected grace – God’s presence breaking into our lives in a new way — we’re delighted to offer several opportunities to engage in prayer, learning, and spiritual conversations as the People of God move into the continental stage of the global synod. We also
- [Reflecting on Women Deacons](https://discerningdeacons.org/reflecting-on-women-deacons/) - On Sunday March 13th, 120 men and women gathered in an upper room – at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota to reflect on scripture, listen, share, and await the Holy Spirit to guide our discernment and help us speak aloud. The question was a synodal one: “What is the Holy Spirit saying to
- [A Dream Suggestion](https://discerningdeacons.org/a-dream-suggestion/) - One expressed aim of this Synod is “to inspire people to dream about the Church we are called to be.” (Vatican Handbook 1.3). As the path along which God’s People walk together, synodality grew out of an understanding of Jesus ‘the Way’ (Jn 14:6) and of his disciples as ‘followers of the Way’ (Ac 9:2).When the
- [Forming ourselves for courageous conversations](https://discerningdeacons.org/forming-ourselves-for-courageous-conversations/) - In the last two weeks I have attended synodal listening sessions at two local parishes in Miami. It’s been fun to meet new people in my community and delve into deeper conversations about our joys and concerns with the Catholic Church as well as our hopes for what a more synodal, listening, participatory, inclusive Church
- [A Prayer for Synodality](https://discerningdeacons.org/prayer-for-synodality/) - This work is a prayer for us to experience this time–both the global synod process and this particular Discerning Deacons Listening Session–as Kairos, as the opportune moment to be transformed by encounter with God. I begin each square by drawing a quatrefoil with an Advent candle, a gesture that prepares our hearts to listen. Then
- [Discerning Deacons is Received in Chicago!](https://discerningdeacons.org/dd-in-chicago/) - Nearly all of Discerning Deacon’s work has emerged in the context of the pandemic, taking shape over zoom meetings and virtual liturgies and listening circles and relational meetings. The last few weeks have marked a welcome turn as we emerge to gather in person: at St. Catherine’s in St. Paul MN, at the Religious Education
- [The night shall be as bright as day](https://discerningdeacons.org/bright-as-day/) - What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you through these Holy Days, as you draw near to Jesus and seek the grace to practice resurrection? If you are in a parish with a deacon serving the community, I’d invite you to notice the role the deacon plays throughout the Triduum. As you draw your eye
- [Moving forward with Roots & Wings](https://discerningdeacons.org/roots-wings/) - Discerning Deacons was thrilled to be invited to serve as exhibitors at the Raices y Alas (Roots and Wings) conference of the National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry (NCCHM) in Washington, DC, April 26-30.We were able to engage participants in conversations about synodality, women’s leadership roles, and the discernment of the Church about ordaining women
- [Communion: Reflecting on Reception, Controversies, and Synodal Experiences](https://discerningdeacons.org/communion/) - As our DD delegation made a pilgrimage to Rome last October to witness the opening of the Synod by participating in the opening Mass, we arrived early to St. Peter’s Cathedral, like good Catholics - ready to get our seats up close! Individual chairs were spaced with some distance apart both in front and in
- [Women Deacons in the News](https://discerningdeacons.org/women-deacons-in-the-news/) - The Los Angeles Review of Books published a well-researched, thoughtful article this week by Sarah E. Bond and Shaily Patelen. "Recovering the Female Clerics of the Early Church" sets in context the significance of the recent archeological discoveries at Ashdod in Palestine: “Ashdod confirms that we cannot continue to tell neat stories about how women were
- [Reclaiming Catholic History for our Daughters](https://discerningdeacons.org/reclaiming-catholic-history-for-our-daughters/) - Last week I presented the ministry of Discerning Deacons to seniors at Flintridge Sacred Heart High School at La Cañada, California. Thanks to an invitation from teacher Kristina Ortega and technology, I could visit three classes from my perch in Miami, Florida. At a time when many young Catholic women in high school and college
- [Inviting US & Latin American Catholics to Walk Together](https://discerningdeacons.org/inviting-us-and-latin-american-catholics-to-walk-together/) - Valuing the role of youth in our Church and society as agents of transformation. Accompanying victims of social and Church injustice with recognition and reparation. Deepening the participation of women in the Church’s decision-making bodies and contributing to the discernment about women deacons and new ministries. Welcoming, protecting, and integrating migrants and refugees. These are
- [It is Hard to Walk Together](https://discerningdeacons.org/hard-to-walk-together/) - “It was hard to walk together…we were supposed to stay in a line, but some people walk faster, others slower, and we’re carrying those very heavy candles…” - Micaela, age 9 My daughter completed her first altar server training this Saturday. And this was one of her main takeaways: It’s hard to walk together. What
- [Making Good Trouble – with Hope!](https://discerningdeacons.org/making-good-trouble-with-hope/) - Last week an extraordinary virtual synodal conversation took place across the Americas. Pope Francis listened to Catholic university students from North, South Central America and the Caribbean as they shared their experiences, insights, frustrations and plans to make the world a better place on issues important to them like migration, climate change, and growing income
- [The God Who Sees](https://discerningdeacons.org/the-god-who-sees/) - March 16, 2022 “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 We prayed this Psalm on Sunday. Nestled between stories of God’s covenant with Abraham and Jesus’ Transfiguration it would have been easy to miss the slender verse in the flood of narratives. So
- [DD making waves at Religious Education Congress!](https://discerningdeacons.org/makes_waves/) - March 30, 2022 Discerning Deacons recently hosted a booth at the annual Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. This year’s annual conference drew about 5,000 in-person participants, much fewer than in years past, but a good start to re-imagining an in-person conference since the pandemic began. A special thank you to Rosa Bonilla, Yolanda Brown, Anne
- [Emily Southerton preaches about her vocation as a chaplain and our shared baptismal call to be priests, prophets and kings (Catholic Women Preach)](https://discerningdeacons.org/emily-southerton-preaches-about-her-vocation-as-a-chaplain-and-our-shared-baptismal-call-to-be-priests-prophets-and-kings/) - “A prophet is not without honor except in (their) native place and among (their) own kin and in (their) own house.” Mark 6:4. Hearing this verse reminds me of my own life story, and how I became a chaplain. It took me a while to confidently wear the bright blue chaplain name badge. And at
- [Phyllis Zagano writes about Pope Francis and women’s work in the Church, including the possibility of ordination as deacons (La Croix International)](https://discerningdeacons.org/phyllis-zagano-writes-about-pope-francis-and-womens-work-in-the-church-including-the-possibility-of-ordination-as-deacons/) - Legions of female church workers at every level in parishes and chanceries, at episcopal conferences -- and even at the Vatican -- welcomed and welcome Pope Francis' efforts to eliminate clericalism. The general perception that "they" (clerics) do not need "us" (women) seems to be fading. Or is it? The great diversity of the "church
- [A note from Luke Hansen](https://discerningdeacons.org/a-note-from-luke-hansen/) - Dear friends of Discerning Deacons, I’m writing today to let you know that I’m in the process of shifting from a full-time position on the leadership team to a volunteer support role with Discerning Deacons. Beginning next month, I’m returning to full-time ministry in a school setting, where I’ll have the opportunity to again accompany
- [Standing with our courageous mothers](https://discerningdeacons.org/standing-with-our-courageous-mothers/) - “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” -Matthew 15:23 Today’s Gospel has some of my least favorite words in it. It’s a portrait of Jesus that cuts against the ever-welcoming, ever-merciful, ever-loving image that we evangelize and encourage children to come to know in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Here, Jesus
- [Join a virtual training on Pentecost Sunday to prepare to host a conversation on women and the diaconate.](https://discerningdeacons.org/pentecost-training/) - Called | Equipped | Sent Join a virtual training on Pentecost Sunday to prepare to host a conversation on women and the diaconate as part of our summer listening process. The conversation could happen virtually (via Zoom) or in-person, at home or your parish. Pentecost Sunday, May 23, from 3-6 p.m. Eastern time At the
- [*For a synodal church**Webinar Recording](https://discerningdeacons.org/webinar-nov-4-2021/) - "For a synodal Church" What is Pope Francis inviting us all to do? And how can we participate, animate, and serve the listening and discernment process?
- [Bishop Emil A. Wcela makes the case for expanding the diaconate to include women (America Media)](https://discerningdeacons.org/bishop-emil-a-wcela-makes-the-case-for-expanding-the-diaconate-to-include-women/) - Can women receive sacred orders? Let us consult several authoritative sources. Canon 1024 of the Code of Canon Law states, “A baptized male alone receives sacred ordination validly.” In 1994 Pope John Paul II said, “I declare that the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is
- [Beloved of God](https://discerningdeacons.org/beloved-of-god/) - Greetings friends, This past week I was on retreat at Eastern Point Retreat House north of Boston and I couldn’t help but be constantly reminded by God of the great privilege it is to be a part of growing the conversation about women and the diaconate with each of you. One morning the sunrise was
- [WATCH VIDEO: Boston College features Discerning Deacons](https://discerningdeacons.org/boston-college-school-of-theology-and-ministry-features-discerning-deacons/) - Thursday, April 29, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT
- [mini-bible study with discerning deacons](https://discerningdeacons.org/mini-bible-study/) - The Good News of Women and the Diaconate according to the Gospels A 2-session bible study with Lizzie Berne DeGear, BCC, PhD When? Wednesday, September 8th and Wednesday September 15th from 7:00-7:45pm EST Who is it for? And what's it about? As Catholics, we know that Scripture can be a powerful tool in spiritual discernment.So let it be
- [Pope Francis speaks to deacons and their families about the vocation of deacons](https://discerningdeacons.org/pope-francis-speaks-to-deacons-and-their-families-about-the-vocation-of-deacons/) - In an address to deacons and their families in Rome on June 19, Pope Francis’ first point of emphasis was the distinction of the diaconate from the priesthood -- that deacons are ordained “not unto the priesthood, but unto a ministry of service.” “This difference is not insignificant,” he said. “The mere fact of emphasizing
- [Discerning Deacons hosts a virtual liturgy and gathering on the Feast of St. Phoebe, Friday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. ET](https://discerningdeacons.org/feast-of-st-phoebe-2021/) - Download a Worship Aid Click here to register for the Zoom liturgy. We invite Catholics to gather virtually to pray for the intercession of St. Phoebe, listen to powerful testimonies from Catholic women engaged in diaconal ministry, and express our collective hope that the Church would “receive them in the Lord,” just as St. Paul
- [WATCH VIDEO: Deacon William T. Ditewig speaks on Dachau, Diaconate Circles, and the restoration of the diaconate at Vatican II](https://discerningdeacons.org/monthly-webinar-deacon-william-t-ditewig-on-dachau-diaconate-circles-and-vatican-ii/) - Click here to watch a video of the event. In this second event in a series of educational webinars hosted by Discerning Deacons, Deacon William T. Ditewig, Ph.D., the author of several books on the diaconate, and the former executive director of the Office for the Diaconate at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, speaks
- [Walking Forward Together: Mauricio López speaks about synodality in the Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/walking-forward-together-mauricio-lopez-speaks-about-synodality-in-the-church/) - [On July 3, I was able to attend a powerful, inspiring conference on synodality, held in-person in Miami. Mauricio López, a prominent lay leader in the Latin American Church, spoke about the essence of the synodal process. His remarks profoundly deepened my sense of what we are seeking to embody through Discerning Deacons. I’m excited
- [Phyllis Zagano writes about Pope Francis’ vision for lay ministry and its historical context. (National Catholic Reporter)](https://discerningdeacons.org/phyllis-zagano-writes-about-pope-francis-vision-for-lay-ministry-and-its-historical-context-national-catholic-reporter-may-12/) - Click here to read this story.
- [Pope Francis institutes the ‘ministry of catechist.' (Catholic News Service)](https://discerningdeacons.org/pope-francis-institutes-the-ministry-of-catechist-catholic-news-service/) - Click here to read the story.
- [Join a virtual training to prepare for hosting a conversation about women and the diaconate](https://discerningdeacons.org/join-a-training-to-prepare-for-hosting-a-conversation-about-women-and-the-diaconate/) - Thursday, June 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET. Register here. Called | Equipped | Sent. A virtual training for those committed to hosting a virtual or in-person "house meeting" or parish event about women and the diaconate, as part of our summer listening process. Together we will dive into our toolkit, share our
- [Vatican announces new synodal process, saying ‘we must listen to the people of God’ (Catholic News Service)](https://discerningdeacons.org/vatican-announces-new-synodal-process-saying-we-must-listen-to-the-people-of-god-catholic-news-service-may-21/) - Click here to read this story.
- [Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin describes synodality as the ‘long game’ of Pope Francis (Commonweal)](https://discerningdeacons.org/cardinal-joseph-w-tobin-describes-synodality-as-the-long-game-of-pope-francis-commonweal-june-1/) - Click here to read this story.
- [WATCH VIDEO: Discerning Deacons interviews Dr. Phyllis Zagano](https://discerningdeacons.org/watch-video-discerning-deacons-interviews-dr-phyllis-zagano/) - "Sustaining Faith and Hope: Luke Hansen and Dr. Phyllis Zagano in conversation" Click here to watch a video of the event. Wednesday, June 16, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM EDT Welcome to our new series of monthly Zoom meetings. This first event is hosted by Luke Hansen, co-director of Discerning Deacons, in conversation with Phyllis
- [Mariángel Marco Teja describes the leading role of women in the Amazonian Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/women-in-the-amazonian-church/) - Women play a leading role in Pan-Amazonia, cultivating and transmitting identity, knowledge and exercising leadership.
- [The Spirit’s Power](https://discerningdeacons.org/the-spirits-power/) - By Anne HansenThis past Sunday, I served as a lector for my faith community and read aloud the powerful words that Jesus speaks to his friends just before his ascension into heaven: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth” (Acts
- [Astounded](https://discerningdeacons.org/astounded/) - “The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peterwere astounded that the gift of the Holy Spiritshould have been poured out on the Gentiles also,for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God.”–Acts 10:45-46 [from the first reading for the Sixth Sunday of Easter]ASTOUNDED.The disciples are astounded. This is not what they thought would unfold.
- [Dare to Hope](https://discerningdeacons.org/dare-to-hope/) - By Luke HansenIn the comedy series “Ted Lasso,” an American football coach is inexplicably entrusted with leading an English Premier League soccer team. When the team begins to experience some success, Coach Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) quickly learns a saying common among fans of AFC Richmond: “It’s the hope that kills you.”Any sports fan will understand
- [Amazon Synod supports women deacons, formally requests to share ‘experiences and reflections’ with a papal commission. (America Media)](https://discerningdeacons.org/amazon-synod-supports-women-deacons-formally-requests-to-share-experiences-and-reflections-with-a-papal-commission-america-media/) - The three-week Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for for the Pan-Amazonian Region, on the theme, "Amazonia: New Paths for the Church and for Integral Ecology," concluded on Oct. 27 in Rome. Here are five key takeaways from the synod. The synod was prophetic in placing Amazonian and Indigenous communities at the center of
- [Sr. Colleen Gibson, S.S.J., writes about St. Phoebe, the deacon whom St. Paul commends to the Church in Rome. (Global Sisters Report)](https://discerningdeacons.org/sr-colleen-gibson-s-s-j-writes-about-st-phoebe-the-deacon-whom-st-paul-commends-to-the-church-in-rome-global-sisters-report/) - Growing up, I never heard about St. Phoebe. She, like so many women of the early church, was lost to me for a long time. The female doctors of the church — Catherine, Teresa, Thérèse, and, later, Hildegard — were beacons whose wisdom, faith and example I was drawn to. As a young adult, I grew
- [[WEBINAR] “Women Deacons: The Call to Service,” with Phyllis Zagano, Ph.D., and Sr. Colleen Gibson, S.S.J., at 7:30 p.m. EDT on Zoom](https://discerningdeacons.org/women-deacons-the-call-to-service-with-phyllis-zagano-ph-d-and-sr-colleen-gibson-s-s-j-at-730-p-m-edt-on-zoom/) - DATE AND TIME OF EVENT: April 25, 2021 at 7:30 pm Eastern Time REGISTER HERE
- [The Power to Preach: A Conversation About Ordaining Women as Deacons [WEBINAR]](https://discerningdeacons.org/the-power-to-preach-a-conversation-about-ordaining-women-as-deacons-webinar/) - WEBINAR DATE AND TIME: Apr 29, 2021 06:00 PM in Eastern Time On the Feast of St. Catherine of Siena, a lay member of the Order of Preachers, join a conversation with the founders of Discerning Deacons, a new initiative that is engaging Catholics in the discernment of our Church about the ordination of women to
- [Discerning Deacons ‘Week of Action’ Kick-Off event at 12 Noon EDT on Zoom](https://discerningdeacons.org/discerning-deacons-week-of-action-kick-off-event-at-12-noon-edt-on-zoom/) - Date of event: April 26, 2021 at 12 pm Noon Eastern Time REGISTER HERE
- [Discerning Deacons ‘Week of Action’ Closing Celebration at 12 Noon EDT on Zoom](https://discerningdeacons.org/discerning-deacons-week-of-action-closing-celebration-at-12-noon-edt-on-zoom/) - Date and Time of Event: April 30, 2021 at 12 pm Noon Eastern Time REGISTER HERE
- [FutureChurch’s ‘Women Witnesses for Racial Justice’ event, celebrating Anna "Madre" Bates, at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Zoom](https://discerningdeacons.org/futurechurchs-women-witnesses-for-racial-justice-event-celebrating-anna-madre-bates-at-700-p-m-edt-on-zoom/) - DATE AND TIME OF EVENT: May 11, 2021 at 7pm Eastern Time Anna "Madre" Bates led a revolution of love in Detroit. In spite of racial segregation in Catholic Churches, and racist obstacles placed by those in authority to her mission of serving Black Catholics, she founded a mission and a parish, Our Lady of Victory. During

## Pages

- [Home](https://discerningdeacons.org/) - Our Mission We engage Catholics in the active discernment of our Church about women and the diaconate. About Us Vision We embrace the prophetic call and ministry of deacons.We witness the historical and contemporary diaconal ministry of Catholic women.We hope in the Holy Spirit to lead this discernment, renew the Church and heal our world.
- [Register Your Community for St. Phoebe Day](https://discerningdeacons.org/phoebeday23/) - St. Phoebe Day: Register Your Community Please use the following form to sign up your institution (e.g., parish, school, religious order, organization) to celebrate St. Phoebe Day in September 2023. Questions? Contact Anna Robertson, Director of Distributed Organizing at Discerning Deacons. -- Por favor, utiliza el siguiente formulario para inscribir a tu institución (por ejemplo, parroquia,
- [About](https://discerningdeacons.org/about/) - Welcome to Discerning Deacons, a project fueled by love and fidelity to the Catholic Church! Our mission is to engage Catholics in the active discernment of our Church about women and the diaconate and contribute to the renewal of this ministry for our times. Embrace We embrace the prophetic call and ministry of deacons. Witness
- [2026 Discerning Deacons Assembly - May 1-3 - Indianapolis, IN](https://discerningdeacons.org/dd-assembly-2026/) - Indianapolis Assembly Interest Form On May 1-3, 2026, Discerning Deacons will converge on Indianapolis for our first national Assembly—an opportunity for people across our network to connect in community and prayer, share best practices, and launch into action around our powerful path for renewing the diaconate in the year ahead. Fill out this form to
- [Host a House Meeting](https://discerningdeacons.org/host-a-house-meeting/) - Host a House Meeting on the Diaconate Join Discerning Deacons in our effort to consult with 10,000 Catholics about the future of the diaconate during the Synod's Implementation Phase. ver en español House meetings are intimate gatherings of 6-12 people that bring together prayer, learning, and synodal conversation. Over the course of 1.5-2 hours, participants
- [COPY Pilgrimage 2022](https://discerningdeacons.org/copy-pilgrimage-2022/) - Join Discerning Deacons for a Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe August 31 – September 5, 2022 Itinerary Details Join us for a Sneak Peek of the trip on 5.12.22 at 8 pm et Click here For more information To make a pilgrimage is to go on a journey to a holy place and experience
- [House Meeting Host Portal](https://discerningdeacons.org/house-meeting-host-portal/) - Thank you for being a part of Discerning Deacons’ effort to grow participation in the Church’s discernment about the future of the diaconate during the global synod’s implementation phase by hosting a house meeting! ver en espaÑol KEY LINKS Access Planning Tools The House Meeting Toolkit will walk you through every step planning your house
- [Discerning the Call to the Diaconate: Testimonies by Catholic Women](https://discerningdeacons.org/call-stories/) - Discerning the Call to the Diaconate Testimonies by Catholic Women Compiled by Discerning Deacons in January 2025 in response to an invitation to submit materials for consideration by the commission headed by Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi tasked with study of the question of women deacons. leer en español > + - Download PDF In the
- [Give](https://discerningdeacons.org/give/) - Give Discerning Deacons stands in a long tradition of Church renewal as we dare to imagine together the difference women deacons would make for our Church. We lift up the stories of women in ministry, women living lives of service, and women who carry the lament of not always feeling seen and heard in their
- [Serving the Synod](https://discerningdeacons.org/serving-the-synod/) - Discerning Deacons Synod Report Synthesis Report Released in English and in Spanish August 3, 2022 Previous Next Download PDF Print PDF The USCCB prepared a “Region XVI report” as part of the synthesizing process. Our DD contribution is reflected in this regional summary which includes national organizations, religious orders, and educational institutions. View the Region
- [Learn](https://discerningdeacons.org/learn/) - Learn “This tradition which comes from the Apostles develops in the Church with the help of the Holy Spirit. For there is a growth in the understanding of the realities and the words which have been handed down. This happens through the contemplation and study made by believers, who treasure these things in their hearts
- [Feast of St. Phoebe](https://discerningdeacons.org/st-phoebe-day/) - Every September since 2020, Discerning Deacons has marked the Feast of St. Phoebe the Deacon by animating communities around the world in prayer and celebration in her honor. Over 200 Catholics parishes, schools, religious orders, and other organizations have hosted local St. Phoebe Day gatherings across 67 dioceses, nine countries, and four continents, reaching tens
- [Diakonia Fellows](https://discerningdeacons.org/diakonia-fellows/) - Diakonia Fellows How are you called to reveal the face of a God who came to serve, not to be served?The Diakonia Fellows program seeks to animate a church that is ever more diaconal, synodal, and merciful by developing ministry leaders and equipping them to animate diakonia in their communities. About the Fellowship Meet the
- [Host a House Meeting](https://discerningdeacons.org/house-meetings/) - Host a House Meeting with Discerning Deacons Join Discerning Deacons in our effort to reach 10,000 people in synodal conversations about the future of the diaconate during the Synod's implementation phase! When you submit this form, you'll immediately receive a complete toolkit with everything you need to host a house meeting—an intimate gathering of 6-12 people that
- [Discern, Dream, Scheme Cohort 3](https://discerningdeacons.org/discern-dream-scheme-cohort-3/) - January 4 – February 13, 2026 A six-week online workshop for those who want to hear a fresh word from God, gather wisdom and support from others, and do the work your soul must have.* This workshop is an invitation for you… To remember your call—by name, by baptism, by grace.To excavate your story—to hear God’s
- [Celebrate St. Phoebe Day in September](https://discerningdeacons.org/celebrate-st-phoebe/) - st. phoebe day planning resources Every September, hundreds of Catholic faith communities around the world celebrate the feast of Deacon St. Phoebe. While each celebration reflects the unique perspectives and needs of the community, all are united around four common goals: 1. Grow the Devotion Lift up Deacon St. Phoebe on a Sunday in September,
- [Pray](https://discerningdeacons.org/pray/) - Pray In October 2015, on the 50th anniversary of the institution of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis explained that “synodality” is an essential practice of the Church. The entire Church must walk together and listen to the Holy Spirit and to each member, since all the baptized have “an instinctive ability to discern the
- [Pilgrimage](https://discerningdeacons.org/pilgrimage-2022/) - Pilgrimage An excerpt from Carolyn Osiek’s edited source book on ordained women in the early churchSo what did deaconesses do? The role of the female deacon as a special ministry to women is briefly described in the Didascalia and in more detail in the Apostolic Constitutions dependent on it: assistance at the baptism of women,
- [Rosary for a Synodal Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/rosary-synodal-church/) - For those of you who may have not been able to attend a session or simply would like to continue to pray with these images and reflections, please find the recordings and slides below. Other links and resources: XVI Assembly of Bishops Synthesis Report: A Synodal Church in Mission Letter of the XVI Ordinary General
- [Witnesses](https://discerningdeacons.org/witnesses/) - Witnesses "You will be my witnesses." (Acts 1:8) The preparatory process for the Synod of Bishops on the Amazon involved 87,000 people bearing witness to their laments, hopes and dreams for their communities and the Church they love.During the 2021-2024 Synod on Synodality, calls to rethink women’s participation and to permit women to serve as
- [Join the Discernment](https://discerningdeacons.org/join-the-discernment/) - Join the discernment We can walk together. It is important to live this discernment together as a people. We welcome you to connect: to meet others who are feeling inspired to learn more, to pray together, and to make commitments of mutual responsibility and accountability. New to Discerning Deacons, or curious about how you can get involved in
- [Get the St. Phoebe Day Toolkit](https://discerningdeacons.org/toolkit/) - When you fill out the form below, you will receive an email with instructions for accessing your copy of the St. Phoebe Day Toolkit.
- [St. Phoebe Day Resources](https://discerningdeacons.org/resources/) - Featured Resources St. Phoebe Day Planning Checklist More Information Register Your St. Phoebe Day Celebration More Information Training: St. Phoebe Day 101 More Information Filter your results: Filter your results: 2024 community contribution downloads educational español event planning featured for purchase guides handout high school images kids music prayer preaching small group synod training video
- [Register Your St. Phoebe Day Celebration](https://discerningdeacons.org/phoebe-day-register/)
- [Become a Witness](https://discerningdeacons.org/become-a-witness/) - Become a Witness Thank you for your interest in becoming a witness. share your witness Share Your Hopes We invite all Catholics to share your prayers and hopes for the Church’s discernment and the difference it would make in your parish/community if women were ordained as deacons. Get Started Share Your Story Are you a
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- [Prayers for a Synodal Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/pray/prayers-for-a-synodal-church/) - Join us for a prayer service every third day of the month at 7 pm ET (times may vary). Click above for more information and to register. This past October we gathered weekly to pray the Rosary for the Synod. Click above to access the recordings, images & texts.
- [Walking with St. Phoebe on the Road to Rome](https://discerningdeacons.org/action/) - St. Phoebe Day Action Steps This September 2023, Catholic parishes, schools, colleges and universities, religious orders, and other organizations are celebrating the feast of St. Phoebe, diakonos, ahead of October’s General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome. Church leaders will discern about key questions that shape our life of faith together, including the
- [Message to Pope Francis](https://discerningdeacons.org/message-to-pope-francis/) - Pope Francis wants to hear from you! Learn how you can share your feedback on the Instrumentum Laboris (IL) with Pope Francis and the Synod office at the Vatican. learn about the il write your letter < > + - Download PDF Print PDF The Invitation On June 28, 2023, the official Instagram account for
- [Get the St. Phoebe Day Quick Guide](https://discerningdeacons.org/get-the-st-phoebe-day-quick-guide/) - When you fill out the form below, you will receive an email with instructions for accessing your copy of the Quick Guide to Hosting a St. Phoebe Day Celebration. Preferred language / Idioma de preferencia English / inglés Spanish / español Do you wish to subscribe to the Discerning Deacons newsletter? / ¿Quisieras subscribirte al
- [Events](https://discerningdeacons.org/events/) - Upcoming Events TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026, 7-7:45 P.M. ET / 4-4:45 P.M. PT Discerning Deacons Welcome Call VIRTUAL EVENT PRESENTED BY: DISCERNING DEACONS Learn More MONDAY, MARCH 9, 7-8 P.M. ET / 4-5 P.M. PT Orientation for House Meeting Hosts HOUSE MEETING CAMPAIGN Learn More View Past Events
- [Get the St. Phoebe Day Liturgy Guide and Planning Checklist](https://discerningdeacons.org/liturgy-guide/) - When you fill out the form below, you will receive an email with instructions for accessing your copy of the St. Phoebe Day Liturgy Guide and Planning Checklist. Preferred language / Idioma de preferencia English / inglés Spanish / español Do you wish to subscribe to the Discerning Deacons newsletter? / ¿Quisieras subscribirte al boletín
- [Get the Guide: St. Phoebe Study Circle](https://discerningdeacons.org/study-circle-guide/) - When you fill out the form below, you will receive an email address with instructions for accessing your copy of the St. Phoebe Study Circle Guide. Do you wish to receive the Discerning Deacons newsletter? Yes No GET THE GUIDE Loading... Thank you! Check your email for instructions on how to access your copy of
- [Past Events](https://discerningdeacons.org/past-events/) - Past Events THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1-2 P.M. ET / 10-11 A.M. PT Orientation for House Meeting Hosts HOUSE MEETING CAMPAIGN Learn More THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 8-9 P.M. ET / 5-6 P.M. PT Discerning Deacons 2026 Kick-off Call – Evening Learn More TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1-2 P.M. ET / 10-11 A.M. PT Discerning Deacons 2026 Kick-off
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- [Discerning Deacons National Consultation](https://discerningdeacons.org/discerning-deacons-national-consultation/) - WEDNESDAY MAY 11, 12-2PM ET • SUNDAY MAY 15, 3-5PM ET You are invited Imagine Pope Francis showed up in your neighborhood and wanted to throw a huge banquet. He sends an invitation out far and wide, to absolutely everyone: the daily mass goers, those who haven’t been in a church in decades, those from
- [What Bishops Are Saying](https://discerningdeacons.org/what-bishops-are-saying/) - What Bishops Are Saying “ “There have been female deacons in earlier centuries, and that could also be again reintroduced.” Cardinal Christoph Schönborn Vienna, Austria Source “ “The majority of bishops [at the Amazon Synod] were in favor of admitting women to the permanent diaconate…. My hope would be that they would find a pathway
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- [Paragraph 60 Handout - "Phoebe"](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/paragraph-60-handout-phoebe/) - Grow the devotion to St. Phoebe!! *
- [Paragraph 60 Notebook - Magdalene](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/paragraph-60-notebook-magdalene/) - Please click the 'Buy Now' button to go to the external website to choose your items and complete your purchase.
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- [Paragraph 60 - Phoebe Tee](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/paragraph-60-phoebe-tee/) - Share the good news of Paragraph 60 of the Synod's Final Document!
- [Discerning Deacons Sling Bag](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/discerning-deacons-sling-bag/) - Please click the 'Buy Now' button to go to the external website to choose your items and complete your purchase.
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- [Postcards - "St. Phoebe" by Br. Mickey McGrath](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/postcards-mcgrath/) - Grow the devotion to St. Phoebe!! Pack of full-color postcards.
- [Postcards - "Phoebe" by Laura James](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/postcards-phoebe-by-laura-james/) - Grow the devotion to St. Phoebe!! Pack of full-color postcards.
- [Postcards - "Recíbanla" by Laura James](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/postcards-recibanla-by-laura-james/) - Grow the devotion to St. Phoebe!! Pack of full-color postcards.
- [Stickers - Oval Deacon St. Phoebe](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/stickers-oval-deacon-st-phoebe/) - Deacon St. Phoebe Sticker designed and sold by Anglea Dimler (dimsdoodles). Choose among four sizes.
- [DD Tee - Large Logo](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/dd-tee-large-logo/) - Available in two colors, please click the 'buy now' button to go to the external website to choose your items and complete your purchase.
- [Stickers - Round Francis and Claire](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/stickers-round-francis-and-claire/) - “For every Francis, a Clare / Por cada Francisco, una Clara.” Designed by Angela Dimler.
- [Stickers - DD Heart](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/stickers-dd-heart/) - Show your love for DD with a DD heart sticker! Size: 2"x2" Available in a roll or with stickers individually cut. Sticker rolls are printed on white paper. Individually cut stickers are white plastic.
- [Stickers - Round DD Logo](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/stickers-round-dd-logo/) - Show your love for DD with a round DD logo sticker! Size: 2"x2" Available in a roll or with stickers individually cut. Sticker rolls are printed on white paper. Individually cut stickers are white plastic.
- [DD Long Sleeve Tee - Youth](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/dd-long-sleeve-tee-youth/) - Please click the 'Buy Now' button to go to the external website to choose your items and complete your purchase.
- [DD Tee - Large Logo - Youth](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/dd-tee-large-logo-youth/) - Please click the 'Buy Now' button to go to the external website to choose your items and complete your purchase.
- ["For Every Francis, A Clare" Tee](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/for-every-francis-a-clare-tee/) - "For every Francis, a Clare / Por cada Francisco, una Clara." Designed by Angela Dimler.
- [DD Tee - Small Logo](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/dd-tee-small-logo/) - Please click the 'Buy Now' button to go to the external website to choose your items and complete your purchase.
- [Tee "Todos, Todos, Todos"](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/todos-todos-todos-tee/) - 2023 Synod Special Edition!! "Todos, Todos, Todos" ©2023 Becky McIntyre
- [Paragraph 60 Travel Mug - Spirit](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/paragraph-60-travel-mug-spirit/) - Please click the 'Buy Now' button to go to the external website to choose your items and complete your purchase.
- [Paragraph 60 Travel Mug - Magdalene](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/paragraph-60-travel-mug-magdalene/) - Please click the 'Buy Now' button to go to the external website to choose your items and complete your purchase.
- [Paragraph 60 Travel Mug - Phoebe](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/paragraph-60-travel-mug-phoebe/) - Please click the 'Buy Now' button to go to the external website to choose your items and complete your purchase.
- [Paragraph 60 Tote - Phoebe](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/paragraph-60-tote/) - Please click the 'Buy Now' button to go to the external website to choose your items and complete your purchase.
- [DD Long Sleeve Tee - Large Logo](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/dd-tee-large-logo-dark/) - Please click the 'Buy Now' button to go to the external website to choose your items and complete your purchase.
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- [Discerning Deacons Tote](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/discerning-deacons-tote/) - Please click the 'Buy Now' button to go to the external website to choose your items and complete your purchase.
- [Discerning Deacons Mug](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/discerning-deacons-mug/) - Please click the 'Buy Now' button to go to the external website to choose your items and complete your purchase.
- [Prayer Cards - "St. Phoebe Diakonos" by And Her Saints](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/prayer-cards-and-her-saints/) - Grow the devotion to St. Phoebe!! Pack of full-color prayer cards. Prayer cards are available to ship to addresses in the U.S. and Canada. If you are outside of the U.S. or Canada and wish to order prayer cards, please contact us at shop@discerningdeacons.org.
- [Prayer Cards - "St. Phoebe Icon" by Suzanne Massie](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/prayer-cards-st-phoebe-icon-by-suzanne-massie/) - Grow the devotion to St. Phoebe!! Pack of full-color prayer cards. Prayer cards are available to ship to addresses in the U.S. and Canada. If you are outside of the U.S. or Canada and wish to order prayer cards, please contact us at shop@discerningdeacons.org.
- [Prayer Cards - "St. Phoebe and St. Paul"](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/prayer-cards-st-phoebe-and-st-paul/) - Grow the devotion to St. Phoebe!! Pack of full-color prayer cards. Prayer cards are available to ship to addresses in the U.S. and Canada. If you are outside of the U.S. or Canada and wish to order prayer cards, please contact us at shop@discerningdeacons.org.
- [Prayer Cards - "St. Phoebe" by Br. Mickey McGrath](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/prayer-cards-st-phoebe-by-br-mickey-mcgrath/) - Grow the devotion to St. Phoebe!! Pack of full-color prayer cards. Prayer cards are available to ship to addresses in the U.S. and Canada. If you are outside of the U.S. or Canada and wish to order prayer cards, please contact us at shop@discerningdeacons.org.
- [Prayer Cards - "Phoebe" by The Modern Saints by Gracie](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/prayer-cards-phoebe-by-the-modern-saints-by-gracie/) - Grow the devotion to St. Phoebe!! Pack of full-color prayer cards. Prayer cards are available to ship to addresses in the U.S. and Canada. If you are outside of the U.S. or Canada and wish to order prayer cards, please contact us at shop@discerningdeacons.org.
- [Prayer Cards - "St. Phoebe, Deaconess" by Libby Gray Koultourides](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/prayer-cards-st-phoebe-deaconess-by-libby-gray-koultourides/) - Grow the devotion to St. Phoebe!! Pack of full-color prayer cards. Prayer cards are available to ship to addresses in the U.S. and Canada. If you are outside of the U.S. or Canada and wish to order prayer cards, please contact us at shop@discerningdeacons.org.
- [Prayer Cards - "St. Phoebe" by Angela Dimler](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/prayer-cards-st-phoebe-by-angela-dimler/) - Grow the devotion to St. Phoebe!! Pack of full-color prayer cards. Prayer cards are available to ship to addresses in the U.S. and Canada. If you are outside of the U.S. or Canada and wish to order prayer cards, please contact us at shop@discerningdeacons.org.
- [Prayer Cards - "Phoebe Deacon Icon" by Cheryl Liske](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/prayer-cards-phoebe-deacon-icon-by-cheryl-liske/) - Grow the devotion to St. Phoebe!! Pack of full-color prayer cards. Prayer cards are available to ship to addresses in the U.S. and Canada. If you are outside of the U.S. or Canada and wish to order prayer cards, please contact us at shop@discerningdeacons.org.
- [DD Pullover Sweatshirt](https://discerningdeacons.org/product/dd-pullover-sweatshirt/) - Please click the 'Buy Now' button to go to the external website to choose your items and complete your purchase.
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## Resources

- [School of the Heart - Faith Sharing Series](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/school-of-the-heart-faith-sharing-series/) - School of the Heart is a seven-week faith sharing series for use in parish, school, or other contexts. Its aims are as follows: Offer participants a transformational encounter with one another over a series of weeks Familiarize participants with the Conversations in the Spirit synodal methodology Deepen participants’ engagement with contemporary church teaching and with the
- [Paragraph 60 Handouts](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/paragraph-60-handouts/) - Version 1: St. Phoebe(feat. Laura James Art) Design by Kim Winscher, in loving honor of Grandma Mildred Ballman download color – eng download color – SPA download b/w – eng download b/w – spa order pro prints Version 2: Pope Francis Blessing St. Phoebe Icon Design by Kim Winscher, in loving honor of Grandma Mildred Ballman download
- [Who Was St. Phoebe?](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/who-was-st-phoebe/) - Who was St. Phoebe? Download, print, and share this short resource introducing St. Phoebe, Deacon of Cenchreae. The document includes both English and Spanish content. Previous Next + – Download PDF Print PDF More Resources
- [St. Phoebe Prayer in Various Languages](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-prayer-in-various-languages/) - Prayer to St. PhoebeBy Elizabeth Young, RSM God of Vision,You see beyond our horizons and enlarge our tents.You draw us into communion, participation and mission.Inspired by St. Phoebe, our Deacon forebear in faith,may we hear the cries of those who suffer,discern our response with the Holy Spirit,and reach out in ministryto share the Good News
- [Quick Guide to St. Phoebe Day](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/quick-guide-to-st-phoebe-day/) - Our simplest St. Phoebe Day resource! Ideal for those planning a last-minute celebration, for sharing with your pastor or institutional decision-maker, or for those looking for a jumping off point for planning! ***This is living document, with regular updates being made and resources being added. The PDF on this page may not always reflect the
- [Phoebe of Corinth](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/phoebe-of-corinth/) - Download (PDF) Download (PNG) Attribution Notes Please include the following attribution when you use this image: Phoebe of Corinth, ©Larry Kamphausen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons More Resources
- [Training: St. Phoebe Day 101](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/training-st-phoebe-day-101/) - An orientation for those considering planning their first St. Phoebe Day celebration—or wanting to brush up on the basics! Hosted by seasoned leaders in the DD network. https://youtu.be/Dd1Ii3deqqE More Resources
- [St. Phoebe Day Toolkit](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-day-toolkit-2/) - An extensive guide to the background of St. Phoebe Day, its context inside of the global Synod on Communion, Mission, and Participation, and to planning a celebration in your local community. ***This is living document, with regular updates being made and resources being added. The PDF on this page may not always reflect the most
- [St. Phoebe Day Planning Checklist](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-day-liturgy-guide-planning-checklist/) - Planning a liturgy for St. Phoebe Day? The St. Phoebe Day Planning Checklist walks you through a set of priority actions that all are encouraged to take in honor of St. Phoebe, along with additional ways to build out a St. Phoebe Day celebration—in the Mass, in prayer services, in high school settings, and more.
- [Litany of Saints and Deacons](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/litany-of-saints-and-deacons/) - A sung Litany of Saints and Deacons led by Allison Beyer for the 2021 virtual prayer service on the Feast of St. Phoebe. More Resources
- [Vespers Service in Honor of St. Phoebe](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/vespers-service-in-honor-of-st-phoebe/) - The following program accompanied the Office of Evening Prayer held at St. James Cathedral in Seattle in September 2023 in honor of St. Phoebe. It is shared here as a resource to others. Previous Next + – Download PDF Print PDF More Resources
- [The State of the Question: Women and the Diaconate](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/the-state-of-the-question-women-and-the-diaconate/) - A timeline of recent developments pertaining to the question of restoring women to the order of permanent deacons since. ***This is living document, with regular updates being made and resources being added. The PDF on this page may not always reflect the most recent changes to the document. To see the most up-to-date version, view
- [Video: 2022 Hybrid St. Phoebe Day Celebration](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-day-2022/) - In 2022, Discerning Deacons celebrated St. Phoebe’s feast from Mexico City during an intercontinental synodal pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe with women leaders from REPAM. Revisit this prayerful celebration of St. Phoebe’s feast day—and take notes on ideas for your own celebration, whether virtual or in person! More Resources
- [Video: 2021 Virtual St. Phoebe Day Celebration](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-day-2021/) - Over 500 gathered together to seek the intercession of St. Phoebe on September 3, 2021. Revisit this prayerful celebration of St. Phoebe’s feast day—and take notes on ideas for your own celebration, whether virtual or in person! https://youtu.be/jKLnrxusG_o More Resources
- [(2024) Guide for Women Witnesses on St. Phoebe Day](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/guide-for-women-witnesses-on-st-phoebe-day/) - A resource for those preparing to offer a spoken witness on St. Phoebe Day, whether by breaking open the Word, preaching, or offering another form of witness such as a personal testimony. ***This is living document, with regular updates being made and resources being added. The PDF on this page may not always reflect the
- [(2024) St. Phoebe Day Resource Hub](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-day-resource-hub/) - The Resource Hub is your one-stop shop for all things St. Phoebe Day. We’ve aggregated the best of our planning resources, prep materials for women witnesses, communications guidelines, printables, and more! ***This is living document, with regular updates being made and resources being added. The PDF on this page may not always reflect the most
- [Sample Liturgy for Evening Prayer](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/sample-liturgy-for-evening-prayer/) - Previous Next + – Download PDF Print PDF More Resources
- [(2024) St. Phoebe Day Social Media & Communications Toolkit](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-day-social-media-communications-toolkit/) - The Resource Hub is your one-stop shop for all things St. Phoebe Day. We’ve aggregated the best of our planning resources, prep materials for women witnesses, communications guidelines, printables, and more! ***This is living document, with regular updates being made and resources being added. The PDF on this page may not always reflect the most
- [St. Phoebe Day High School Lesson Plans](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-day-high-school-lesson-plans/) - This resource was created by a team of three high school theology teachers who celebrated St. Phoebe Day in their classrooms in 2023. It includes three lesson plans, two prayer resources, and several appendices with additional resources and information. ***This is living document, with regular updates being made and resources being added. The PDF on
- [Deacon Coloring Pages (Kelly/Campos)](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/deacon-coloring-pages-kelly-campos/) - Irene Kelly’s much-beloved children’s book What’s a Deacon has been transformed into a set of coloring pages—perfect for teaching kiddos and grown-ups alike about the role of deacons in our Church in the past and present. Previous Next + – Download PDF Print PDF What’s a Deacon? By Irene Kelly Illustrated by Pilar Campos ©2022 Clear Faith
- [(2024) Presider Notes: Introducing Phoebe Day Speakers](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/presider-notes-introducing-phoebe-day-speakers/) - Notes for presiders preparing to introduce St. Phoebe Day speakers, for example, women offering testimony, Scripture reflections, etc. ***This is living document, with regular updates being made and resources being added. The PDF on this page may not always reflect the most recent changes to the document. To see the most up-to-date version, view the
- [Register Your St. Phoebe Day Celebration](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/register-your-st-phoebe-day-celebration/)
- [St. Phoebe Coloring Pages (Laura James)](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-coloring-pages-laura-james/) - + – Download PDF Print PDF + – Download PDF Print PDF More Resources
- [St. Phoebe Day Sign-up Sheet](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-day-sign-up-sheet/) - Print this sign-up sheet and make it available during your St. Phoebe Day celebration so you can connect with others who are interested in growing the conversation about rethinking women’s participation during the Global Synod! Download PDF Print PDF
- ["St. Phoebe"](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-mcgrath/) - By Br. Mickey McGrath. download Attribution Notes Please include the following attribution when you use this image: “St. Phoebe” ©2023, Br. Mickey McGrath. Used with permission (non commercial-no derivatives) More Information Learn more about Br. Mickey McGrath’s vision of this icon of St. Phoebe, as well as its commissioning, on the Discerning Deacons blog. More
- [St. Phoebe Icon](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-icon-suzanne-massie/) - By Suzanne Massie Download Attribution Notes Please include the following attribution when you use this image: ©2023, Suzanne Massie. Used with permission (non commercial-no derivatives). More Information Digitized version of a new St. Phoebe icon written by Suzanne Massie for the Holy Spirit parish in Ottawa, Canada. Read more about Suzanne’s process here. More
- [Prayer Cards](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/prayer-cards-free-download/) - Download and print St. Phoebe Prayer cards for free!! (for non-commercial use only). Click the links below each prayer card to download a PDF in your desired language. Each item includes a standard PDF (“Home Printing”) and a PDF that includes crop marks and bleeds that can be submitted to a professional printer (“Professional Printing”).
- [Training: "Reflecting with the Scriptures for St. Phoebe Day"](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/training-reflecting-with-the-scriptures-for-st-phoebe-day/) - A training session for those reflecting on the Scriptures on St. Phoebe Day, offered by Rhonda Miska in 2023. https://youtu.be/KN1V5GS2tpo?si=JspcyTzGOmmHbKYb More Resources
- [Video: "Called to Serve: Two Women's Witness"](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/video-called-to-serve-two-womens-witness/) - A short documentary featuring Kelly & Philomene – who invite us to draw near to them in witnessing their ministry, listening to their hopes, prayers, and dreams for a Church that receives women into the diaconate. https://youtu.be/yjdEt8PMsX4?si=dtTpZdtLFyvUu1T8 More Resources
- ["Christ As Her Vision"](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/christ-as-her-vision-farrell/) - A St. Phoebe hymn from composer Bernadette Farrell. Previous Next + – download zip Attribution Notes Please include the following attribution where you use this resource: “Christ As Her Vision,” ©Bernadette Farrell, 2021 Download Notes Clicking the “Download” button above will give you access to the following items: Audio Recording Sheet Music Lyrics
- [St. Phoebe and St. Paul](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-and-st-paul/) - Download Attribution Notes None. This image is of unknown origin.
- [“O Christ, You Call Us”](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/o-christ-you-call-us-bernadette-farrell/) - A St. Phoebe hymn from composer Bernadette Farrell, with thanks to the brilliant minister and liturgist Meredith Augustin, for this beautiful recording. Previous Next + – download zip Attribution Notes Please include the following attribution where you use this resource: “O Christ, You Call Us,” ©2021, Bernadette Farrell Download Notes Clicking the “Download” button above will
- [Discerning Deacons Tri-Fold](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/dd-tri-fold/) - Download and print these Discerning Deacons brochures to use during your St. Phoebe Day celebration! Previous Next download Download with crop marks
- [St. Phoebe Prayer Booklet](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/discerning-deacons-tri-fold/) - A collection of prayers written by women across the Discerning Deacons network. Previous Next download
- [St. Phoebe Activity Book](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-activity-book/) - Coloring pages, word searches, and other fun activities related to St. Phoebe, from the Deacon Circle at Immaculate Conception in Durham, NC. A great resource for kids—but fun for adults, too! Previous Next download
- [DD Merch (Tees, Totes, and Mugs)](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/dd-merch-tees-totes-and-mugs/) - SHOP THE ONLINE STORE
- [St. Phoebe Coloring Pages](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/st-phoebe-coloring-pages/) - Previous Next + – download
- ["God of the Women"](https://discerningdeacons.org/resource/god-of-the-women-karen-schneider-kirner/) - A St. Phoebe hymn. Music by Karen Scneider-Kirner. Text by Carolyn Gilette. Previous Next + – download zip Attribution Notes Please include the following attribution where you use this resource: “God of the Women,” Music ©Karen Scneider-Kirner, 2022, Text ©Carolyn Gilette, 1998. Adapted by permission of the author. Download Notes Clicking the “Download” button above

## Events

- [Dialogue: Growing knowledge and devotion to St. Phoebe in our communities](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/charla-interactiva7-23-23/) - A circle of dialogue for those who wish to grow the knowledge and devotion to St. Phoebe within our Hispanic/Latino Catholic communities. It will be a space in which we can share the particular obstacles and opportunities we encounter in our communities. It will focus on developing our personal relationship with the person of St.
- [Deepening Formation Series for Women Witnesses: Reflecting with the Scriptures on St. Phoebe Day](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/deepening-formation-2/) - From the moment Mary Magdalene first proclaimed Jesus’s resurrection, women have been reflecting publicly on the Good News. For women planning or considering offering a Scripture reflection as a part of a St. Phoebe Day celebration, you are invited to join Discerning Deacons for the second session of our Woman Witness Deepening Formation Series. Professionally
- [Deepening Formation Series for Women Witnesses: Crafting and Delivering Personal Testimony on St. Phoebe Day](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/deepening-formation-1/) - Imagine a Church that has reimagined women’s participation—perhaps with women preaching more frequently, exercising active roles in decision making at every level of governance, or serving as deacons. What difference would such a Church make in your life and the lives of those you love? As we see throughout Scripture, personal testimony is a powerful
- [Orientation for House Meeting Hosts](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/orientation-for-house-meeting-hosts-2/) - Thank you for your interest in hosting a house meeting with Discerning Deacons! This orientation session will walk you through everything you need to know to host a successful gathering as part of our yearlong listening campaign on the future of the diaconate, including the open question of women's inclusion, during the Synod Implementation Phase.
- [Discerning Deacons Welcome Call](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/discerning-deacons-welcome-call-7/) - New to Discerning Deacons? You're invited to join a Welcome Call! Connect with other newcomers, learn about the mission and history of Discerning Deacons and learn how you can get involved in renewing the diaconate for our times. This call will include an invitation to join our efforts to contribute to the discernment about the
- [Orientation for House Meeting Hosts](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/orientation-for-house-meeting-hosts/) - Thank you for your interest in hosting a house meeting with Discerning Deacons! This orientation session will walk you through everything you need to know to host a successful gathering as part of our yearlong listening campaign on the future of the diaconate, including the open question of women's inclusion, during the Synod Implementation Phase.
- [Discerning Deacons 2026 Kick-off Call - Evening](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/house-meeting-campaign-launch-call-evening/) - Join us for the Discerning Deacons 2026 Kick-off Call! Discerning Deacons seeks to contribute to the Church’s active discernment about the renewal of the diaconate while empowering Catholics to engage in their baptismal call to diakonia—Christlike service and witness to the Gospel for the sake of God’s kingdom. In this one-hour call, we'll cast a
- [Discerning Deacons 2026 Kick-off Call - Daytime](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/house-meeting-campaign-launch-call/) - Join us for the Discerning Deacons 2026 Kick-off Call! Discerning Deacons seeks to contribute to the Church’s active discernment about the renewal of the diaconate while empowering Catholics to engage in their baptismal call to diakonia—Christlike service and witness to the Gospel for the sake of God’s kingdom. In this one-hour call, we'll cast a
- [Discerning Deacons Welcome Call](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/discerning-deacons-welcome-call-daytime/) - New to Discerning Deacons? You're invited to join a Welcome Call! Connect with other newcomers, learn about the mission and history of Discerning Deacons and learn how you can get involved in renewing the diaconate for our times. This call will include an invitation to join our efforts to contribute to the discernment about the
- [Virtual House Meeting & Synodal Consultation](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/virtual-house-meeting-synodal-consultation/) - What are deacons, anyway? What do we need from the diaconate today? Would women's inclusion in the order of deacons help or hinder the Church's mission in our local communities? The October 2024 Final Document of the Synod on Synodality—official church teaching—states that "the question of women's access to diaconal ministry remains open. This discernment
- [Discerning Deacons Welcome Call](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/discerning-deacons-welcome-call-6/) - New to Discerning Deacons? You're invited to join a Welcome Call! Connect with other newcomers, learn about the mission and history of Discerning Deacons and learn how you can get involved in renewing the diaconate for our times. This call will include an invitation to join our efforts to contribute to the discernment about the
- [Info Session: Discern, Dream, Scheme](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/info-session-discern-dream-scheme-2/) - A six-week online workshop for those who want to hear a fresh word from God, gather wisdom and support from others, and do the work your soul must have. about the workshop What if you could treat yourself to a deep-dive into your call – for this season of your life, for this moment in
- [Info Session: Discern, Dream, Scheme](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/info-session-discern-dream-scheme/) - A six-week online workshop for those who want to hear a fresh word from God, gather wisdom and support from others, and do the work your soul must have. about the workshop What if you could treat yourself to a deep-dive into your call – for this season of your life, for this moment in
- [Feast of St. Phoebe Prayer & Celebration](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/feast-of-st-phoebe-prayer-celebration/) - “RECEIVE HER IN THE LORD!” Join Discerning Deacons on September 3 for an evening of prayer, testimony, and witness on the day our Church commemorates St. Phoebe the Deacon, as together we… Pray for St. Phoebe’s intercession for our synodal, diaconal church. Lift up communities from around the world preparing their own St. Phoebe Day
- [Implementation Phase: House Meeting & Consultation Kickoff (Tuesday)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/implementation-phase-kickoff/) - So you attended a St. Phoebe Day celebration this September...now what? In 2024, Pope Francis made the Final Document of the Synod on Synodality official church teaching, including the groundbreaking Paragraph 60, which affirms that the question about women's access to diaconal ministry remains open and that the discernment should continue. Join Discerning Deacons this
- [Implementation Phase: House Meeting & Consultation Kickoff (Thursday)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/fall-quarterly-assembly/) - So you attended a St. Phoebe Day celebration this September...now what? In 2024, Pope Francis made the Final Document of the Synod on Synodality official church teaching, including the groundbreaking Paragraph 60, which affirms that the question about women's access to diaconal ministry remains open and that the discernment should continue. Join Discerning Deacons this
- [St. Phoebe, Deacon, and the Women Who Followed Christ in Ministry](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-deacon-and-the-women-who-followed-christ-in-ministry/) - Sr. Donna Ciangio, O.P., Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Newark and renowned pastoral leader offered an accessible and fun presentation to help share the good news about all the women who played vital roles in ministry and mission throughout our Church’s history. Sr. Donna brings decades of experience in parish vitality, faith formation, and spiritual
- [Discerning Deacons Welcome Call](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/discerning-deacons-welcome-call-4/) - New to Discerning Deacons? You're invited to join a Welcome Call! Connect with other newcomers, get a crash course in Discerning Deacons 101, and consider your next steps with DD. Register for this or future Welcome Calls at the link below!
- [Preaching God's Narrative: Caring for Creation and Becoming Pilgrims of Hope](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/preaching-gods-narrative-caring-for-creation-and-becoming-pilgrims-of-hope/) - In honor of the Jubilee Year, Discerning Deacons is offering a formation series equipping preachers and Ministers of the Word with tools and narratives that bridge the Sacred Word to the Cries of the People and the Cries of the Earth, animating the People of God to act in hope and care for our common
- [Preaching God's Narrative: Solidarity with Migrants and the Detained](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/preaching-gods-narrative-solidarity-with-migrants-and-the-detained/) - In honor of the Jubilee Year, Discerning Deacons is offering a formation series equipping preachers and Ministers of the Word as they walk together and with all God’s children as Pilgrims of Hope. There are three sessions in the series. On April 9 we began with the theme: “The God Who Was Condemned and Refused to
- [School of the Heart](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/school-of-the-heart/) - JOIN US FOR "SCHOOL OF THE HEART" THIS EASTER SEASON! Deepen your faith through synodal dialogue and encounter This Easter season, young adults from the Discerning Deacons network invite you to participate in "School of the Heart," a seven-week journey exploring Pope Francis' encyclical on the Sacred Heart, Dilexit Nos. WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE: Learn and
- [Discerning Deacons Welcome Call](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/discerning-deacons-welcome-call-3/) - New to Discerning Deacons? You're invited to join a Welcome Call! Connect with other newcomers, get a crash course in Discerning Deacons 101, and consider your next steps with DD. Register for this or future Welcome Calls at the link below!
- [Discerning Deacons Welcome Call](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/discerning-deacons-welcome-call-2/) - New to Discerning Deacons? You're invited to join a Welcome Call! Connect with other newcomers, get a crash course in Discerning Deacons 101, and consider your next steps with DD. Register for this or future Welcome Calls at the link below!
- [Summer Quarterly Assembly](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/summer-assembly-2025/) - Calling all those on the path with Discerning Deacons! Gather your people and turn out for our Summer 2025 Quarterly Assembly. During these assemblies, we will... Read and reflect on the signs of the times together as we get up to speed on the key developments in the Church and world pertaining to DD's mission
- [Summer Quarterly Assembly](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/summer-quarterly-assembly/) - Calling all those on the path with Discerning Deacons! Gather your people and turn out for our Summer 2025 Quarterly Assembly. During these assemblies, we will... Read and reflect on the signs of the times together as we get up to speed on the key developments in the Church and world pertaining to DD's mission
- [St. Phoebe Day 101](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-day-101-2/) - Looking to celebrate St. Phoebe Day for the first time this September? Or perhaps you've been a part of a celebration in the past but want to brush up on the basics? On a St. Phoebe Day 101 call, you can expect... an introduction to St. Phoebe the Deacon an overview of the history and
- [St. Phoebe Day 101](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-day-101/) - Looking to celebrate St. Phoebe Day for the first time this September? Or perhaps you've been a part of a celebration in the past but want to brush up on the basics? On a St. Phoebe Day 101 call, you can expect... an introduction to St. Phoebe the Deacon an overview of the history and
- [Discerning Deacons Welcome Call](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/discerning-deacons-welcome-call/) - New to Discerning Deacons? You're invited to join a Welcome Call this spring! Connect with other newcomers, get a crash course in Discerning Deacons 101, and consider your next steps with DD. Our Welcome Calls are intentionally scheduled just before our Discerning Deacons Spring Quarterly Assemblies—so that those who are able and interested head over
- [Spring Quarterly Assembly](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/spring-quarterly-assembly/) - Calling all those on the path with Discerning Deacons! Gather your people and turn out for our Spring 2025 Quarterly Assembly. During these assemblies, we will... Read and reflect on the signs of the times together as we get up to speed on the key developments in the Church and world pertaining to DD's mission
- [Spring Quarterly Assembly](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/spring-quarterly-assembly-2/) - Calling all those on the path with Discerning Deacons! Gather your people and turn out for our Spring 2025 Quarterly Assembly. During these assemblies, we will... Read and reflect on the signs of the times together as we get up to speed on the key developments in the Church and world pertaining to DD's mission
- [Receive Her in the Lord: A Prayer Gathering for the Revived Second Commission](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/receive-her-in-the-lord-a-prayer-gathering-for-the-revived-second-commission/) - During the October 2024 synod assembly, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, Prefect for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith, announced that Pope Francis would reconvene the second commission he established in 2020 following the Amazon Synod to study the possibility of women deacons in the Catholic Church. Join Discerning Deacons in prayer on February 3,
- [Diakonia Fellows Information Session](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/diakonia-fellows-information-session/) - The deacon is to be the conscience of the Church, dragging the ambo to the streets and the streets to the ambo. –Deacon William Ditewig How are you called to reveal the face of a God who came to serve, not to be served? The Greek word diakonia describes the servant leadership of Christ which
- [Diakonia Fellows Information Session](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/diakonia-fellows-information-session-2/) - The deacon is to be the conscience of the Church, dragging the ambo to the streets and the streets to the ambo. –Deacon William Ditewig How are you called to reveal the face of a God who came to serve, not to be served? The Greek word diakonia describes the servant leadership of Christ which all Christians
- [Discerning Deacons 2025 Launch Call](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/discerning-deacons-2025-launch-call/) - Join Discerning Deacons as we kick off 2025 and launch into action in the year ahead! Each launch call will include updates from the DD staff team on the state of the Church's discernment about women and the diaconate and an overview of how you can plug in with Discerning Deacons' work in the
- [Discerning Deacons 2025 Launch Call](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/discerning-deacons-2025-launch-call-2/) - Join Discerning Deacons as we kick off 2025 and launch into action in the year ahead! Each launch call will include updates from the DD staff team on the state of the Church's discernment about women and the diaconate and an overview of how you can plug in with Discerning Deacons' work in the
- [Discerning Deacons Welcome Call](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/dd-welcome/) - New to Discerning Deacons? Curious how you can get involved in the movement to grow the conversation about re-thinking women's roles in a synodal Church, including possibly as deacons? Drop in for a welcome call to learn about Discerning Deacons, to connect with others across the country and world, and to get up to speed
- [Discerning Deacons Advent Prayer Services](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/discerning-deacons-advent-prayer-services-3/) - Join Discerning Deacons this December for weekly prayer services in Advent. These prayer services are a complement to daily Advent reflections. You can subscribe to receive the daily reflections here.
- [Discerning Deacons Advent Prayer Services](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/discerning-deacons-advent-prayer-services-2/) - Join Discerning Deacons this December for weekly prayer services in Advent. These prayer services are a complement to daily Advent reflections. You can subscribe to receive the daily reflections here.
- [Discerning Deacons Advent Prayer Services](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/discerning-deacons-advent-prayer-services/) - Join Discerning Deacons this December for weekly prayer services in Advent. These prayer services are a complement to daily Advent reflections. You can subscribe to receive the daily reflections here.
- [Voices from the Amazon: Our Catholic Response to the Cries of the Earth and Its People](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/voices-from-the-amazon-our-catholic-response-to-the-cries-of-the-earth-and-its-people/) - The Amazon rainforest, the "lungs of our planet," is under severe threat, and empowering indigenous peoples leadership is crucial for survival. Join us for an inspiring event featuring Sr. Laura Vicuna, Vice President of CEAMA (Ecclesial Assembly of the Amazon), and Mauricio Lopez, Director of the Pan-Amazonian University Network (PUAM). Together, they will share firsthand
- [St. Phoebe Prayer for a Synodal Church - Live from Rome](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/phoebe-global-prayer-2024/) - Join us for the final St. Phoebe Prayer for a Synodal Church, live from Rome, on Thursday, October 3, 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT. This prayer will be the culmination of two years of praying together as a global community, through the intercession of St. Phoebe the Deacon, for our Church as we
- [Workshopping Your Word: Women Witness Peer Practice Circles](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/peer-practice-circles/) - Calling all St. Phoebe Day Women Witnesses! Bring the draft of your testimony or Scripture reflection you plan to share on St. Phoebe Day to one of our Peer Practice Circles, where we'll gather in small groups with other Women Witnesses to share our rough drafts in a supportive context and to receive and offer
- [St. Phoebe Prayer for a Synodal Church ‖ Monthly Prayer Service](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-prayer-for-a-synodal-church-‖-monthly-prayer-service/) - Join us for a prayer service every third day of the month at 7 pm ET (times may vary). Register by clicking the button at the bottom of the page. **Please invite others to attend by sharing the registration link (https://bit.ly/MonthlyPrayerRegistration) and not your confirmation link, the meeting will only admit one device per registration
- [St. Phoebe Day Info Session for High School Teachers](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-day-info-session-for-high-school-teachers/) - Calling all high school teachers, campus ministers, and administrators! Have you been wanting to bring St. Phoebe Day to your students but haven't been sure where to start? Interested in connecting with and trading ideas with other high school teachers who want to celebrate St. Phoebe with their students this September? Join Discerning Deacons for
- [Workshopping Your Word: Women Witness Peer Practice Circles](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/workshopping-your-word-women-witness-peer-practice-circles/) - Calling all St. Phoebe Day Women Witnesses! Bring the draft of your testimony or Scripture reflection you plan to share on St. Phoebe Day to one of our Peer Practice Circles, where we'll gather in small groups with other Women Witnesses to share our rough drafts in a supportive context and to receive and offer
- [St. Phoebe Day Clergy Info Session](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-day-clergy-info-session/) - Clergy are invited to an informational session to learn about celebrating St. Phoebe Day in your parish or community this September. Learn about the goals and objectives of St. Phoebe Day, hear from other members of the clergy who welcomed celebrations in their communities last year, and get your questions answered.
- [St. Phoebe Day June Leader Huddle (Option A)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-day-june-leader-huddle-option-a/) - This September, Catholic parishes, schools, religious orders, and other organizations around the world are invited to join Discerning Deacons in celebrating the Feast of St. Phoebe the Deacon! Those planning St. Phoebe Day celebrations or who are considering doing so are encouraged to join Discerning Deacons this summer for our monthly St. Phoebe Day Leader
- [St. Phoebe Day June Leader Huddle (Option B)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-day-june-leader-huddle-option-b/) - This September, Catholic parishes, schools, religious orders, and other organizations around the world are invited to join Discerning Deacons in celebrating the Feast of St. Phoebe the Deacon! Those planning St. Phoebe Day celebrations or who are considering doing so are encouraged to join Discerning Deacons this summer for our monthly St. Phoebe Day Leader
- [St. Phoebe Day July Leader Huddle (Option A)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-day-july-leader-huddle-option-a/) - This September, Catholic parishes, schools, religious orders, and other organizations around the world are invited to join Discerning Deacons in celebrating the Feast of St. Phoebe the Deacon! Those planning St. Phoebe Day celebrations or who are considering doing so are encouraged to join Discerning Deacons this summer for our monthly St. Phoebe Day Leader
- [St. Phoebe Day July Leader Huddle (Option B)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-day-july-leader-huddle-option-b/) - This September, Catholic parishes, schools, religious orders, and other organizations around the world are invited to join Discerning Deacons in celebrating the Feast of St. Phoebe the Deacon! Those planning St. Phoebe Day celebrations or who are considering doing so are encouraged to join Discerning Deacons this summer for our monthly St. Phoebe Day Leader
- [St. Phoebe Day August Leader Huddle (Option A)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-day-august-leader-huddle-option-a/) - This September, Catholic parishes, schools, religious orders, and other organizations around the world are invited to join Discerning Deacons in celebrating the Feast of St. Phoebe the Deacon! Those planning St. Phoebe Day celebrations or who are considering doing so are encouraged to join Discerning Deacons this summer for our monthly St. Phoebe Day Leader
- [St. Phoebe Day August Leader Huddle (Option B)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-day-august-leader-huddle-option-b/) - This September, Catholic parishes, schools, religious orders, and other organizations around the world are invited to join Discerning Deacons in celebrating the Feast of St. Phoebe the Deacon! Those planning St. Phoebe Day celebrations or who are considering doing so are encouraged to join Discerning Deacons this summer for our monthly St. Phoebe Day Leader
- [St. Phoebe Day Leader Huddle & All-Call (Option A)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-day-leader-huddle-all-call-option-a/) - This September, Catholic parishes, schools, religious orders, and other organizations around the world are invited to join Discerning Deacons in celebrating the Feast of St. Phoebe the Deacon! Interested in bringing a St. Phoebe Day celebration to your community? Join Discerning Deacons this May to get equipped for St. Phoebe Day 2024. You'll leave this
- [St. Phoebe Day Leader Huddle & All-Call (Option B)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-day-leader-huddle-all-call-option-b/) - This September, Catholic parishes, schools, religious orders, and other organizations around the world are invited to join Discerning Deacons in celebrating the Feast of St. Phoebe the Deacon! Interested in bringing a St. Phoebe Day celebration to your community? Join Discerning Deacons this May to get equipped for St. Phoebe Day 2024. You'll leave this
- [Discerning Diakonia: Renewing a Prophetic Diaconate for a Co-responsible Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/discerning-diakonia-renewing-a-prophetic-diaconate-for-a-co-responsible-church/) - “Deacons are ordained for the ministry of serving the People of God in the diakonia of the Word, in the liturgy, but above all in the exercise of charity.” (A Synodal Church in Mission #11.a) All are invited to a focused synodal encounter with a listening presence from voting synod delegates. This will include a conversation in
- [March All-Call Training](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/march-all-call-training-2/) - Come to equip yourself and your local teams to grow the discernment this year. We the Church are in synod, and women’s ordination to the permanent diaconate is on the agenda! In the months between last October’s and this October’s gatherings of the Synod of Bishops, the Vatican has invited the entire People of God
- [March All-Call Training](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/march-all-call-training/) - Come to equip yourself and your local teams to grow the discernment this year. We the Church are in synod, and women's ordination to the permanent diaconate is on the agenda! In the months between last October's and this October's gatherings of the Synod of Bishops, the Vatican has invited the entire People of God
- [Kick-off Call: Walking with St. Phoebe in 2024](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/kick-off-call-walking-with-st-phoebe-in-2024/) - Join Discerning Deacons on our 2024 kick-off call! If you've been wondering what's next with Discerning Deacons, or if you're just getting started and are curious to learn more, this is the call for you. We'll roll out our roadmap for powerful and faithful action between now and the October 2024 gathering of Synod of
- [Relational 1-1s in a Synodal Key](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/relational-1-1s-in-a-synodal-key/) - This training is for leaders in the Discerning Deacons network seeking to build out their toolkit for powerful protagonism in a synodal church. The training will provide participants an experiential introduction to the art of the relational one-on-one encounter (or relational 1-1), a fundamental building block of faith-based community organizing and a powerful tool for
- [October 2023 - Rosary for a Synodal Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/october-rosary-for-a-synodal-church/) - Many thanks to everyone who joined us this month for our weekly Rosary for a Synodal Church. Please visit this page to view the recordings and access the slides and other resources. We will resume our Monthly St. Phoebe Prayer for a Synodal Church starting November 3rd, 2023. For more information and to register, please
- [Debriefing the October Synod with Discerning Deacons (Thursday Evening Session)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/debriefing-the-october-synod-with-discerning-deacons/) - Join members of the Discerning Deacons team for a report-back on their time spent in Rome bearing prayerful witness to the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023. We will reflect on our experiences on the ground in Rome, unpack as a community the significance of the outcomes of the
- [Debriefing the October Synod with Discerning Deacons (Friday Daytime Session)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/debriefing-the-october-synod-with-discerning-deacons-friday-daytime-session/) - Join members of the Discerning Deacons team for a report-back on their time spent in Rome bearing prayerful witness to the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023. We will reflect on our experiences on the ground in Rome, unpack as a community the significance of the outcomes of the
- [Report from Rome with Dr. Cynthia Bailey Manns](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/report-from-rome-with-dr-cynthia-bailey-manns/) - Join us as we welcome Dr. Cynthia Bailey Manns for her Report from Rome. She will share her experience and stories from the historic synod assembly and help us understand where this is going in the next eleven months. Additionally, Cynthia is excited to share with us particularly about the themes of rethinking women’s participation
- [Together, With Thanksgiving: Celebrating the Graces of Our Young Adult Synodal Pilgrimage](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/together-with-thanksgiving/) - Join the Discerning Deacons Young Adult Rome Pilgrims as we reflect on our journey to Rome during the opening activities of the Sixteenth General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023 and celebrate the fruits with you who have supported us along the way!
- [August All-Call Training & Women Witness Huddle](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/woman-witness-huddle/) - In the final weeks before St. Phoebe Day, let's circle up for a final huddle before the big day! During our August All-Call Training, we'll get up to speed on all the ways you can use your St. Phoebe Day celebration to connect your community with the following month's Global Synod Gathering in Rome. Plus,
- [Post-Phoebe Day Share-Out Session](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/post-phoebe-day-share-out-session/) - Let's circle up and share out about our St. Phoebe Day celebrations! Offered twice during the month of September, these sessions offer people who have already hosted their celebrations the opportunity to share learnings and highlights. For those whose celebrations are later in the month, drop in and see what you might learn from others
- [Spanish-Summer Phoebe Day All-Call Gathering](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/spanish-summer-phoebe-day-all-call-gathering/) - In the final weeks before St. Phoebe Day, let’s circle up for a final huddle before the big day! During our August All-Call Training, we’ll get up to speed on all the ways you can use your St. Phoebe Day celebration to connect your community with the following month’s Global Synod Gathering in Rome. Plus,
- [July Phoebe Day All-Call Gathering](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/july-all-call/) - For those planning to host Phoebe Day celebrations in September 2023, mark your calendars for our Phoebe Day All-Calls. These gatherings will be one-stop-shop for everything you need to know to pull off a successful Phoebe Day gathering. We encourage everyone who is planning to host a celebration to attend the All-Call. July Phoebe Day
- [Spanish - Deepening Formation Series for Women Witnesses: Reflecting with the Scriptures on St. Phoebe Day](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/spanish-deepening-formation/) - From the moment Mary Magdalene first proclaimed Jesus’s resurrection, women have been reflecting publicly on the Good News. This session will prepare Women Witnesses who plan to reflect with the Scriptures on St. Phoebe Day. For those women who want to deepen their formation before offering their witness on St. Phoebe Day in September 2023,
- [May Phoebe Day All-Call Gathering](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/may-all-call/) - For those planning to host Phoebe Day celebrations in September 2023, mark your calendars for our Phoebe Day All-Calls. These gatherings will be one-stop-shop for everything you need to know to pull off a successful Phoebe Day gathering. We encourage everyone who is planning to host a celebration to attend the All-Call. What are the
- [Spanish - Phoebe Day All-Call Gathering](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/spanish-phoebe-day-all-call-gathering/) - For those planning to host Phoebe Day celebrations in September 2023, mark your calendars for our Phoebe Day All-Calls. These gatherings will be one-stop-shop for everything you need to know to pull off a successful Phoebe Day gathering. We encourage everyone who is planning to host a celebration to attend the All-Call. What are the
- [Phoebe Day Kickoff Call (Day Session)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/phoebekickoffmar14/) - Will your community join Discerning Deacons in September 2023 as we pray for the synod, celebrate women's gifts, and bear witness to the critical and urgent call to re-think women's participation in the Church echoed across every continent during the synod? Whether you've already got your Phoebe Day celebration on the parish calendar or are
- [Phoebe Day Kickoff Call (Spanish Session)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/phoebekickoffmar29/) - Will your community join Discerning Deacons in September 2023 as we pray for the synod, celebrate women's gifts, and bear witness to the critical and urgent call to re-think women's participation in the Church echoed across every continent during the synod? Whether you've already got your Phoebe Day celebration on the parish calendar or are
- [Phoebe Day Kickoff Call (Evening Session)](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/phoebekickoffmar23/) - Will your community join Discerning Deacons in September 2023 as we pray for the synod, celebrate women's gifts, and bear witness to the critical and urgent call to re-think women's participation in the Church echoed across every continent during the synod? Whether you've already got your Phoebe Day celebration on the parish calendar or are
- [Discerning Deacons Reflects with the Global Synod](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/dd-reflects-with-the-global-synod-jan26/) - This session is open to all! Join us for a session to reflect and pray with “Enlarge the Space of Your Tent,” the Synod's Document for the Continental Stage. This landmark synthesis gathers what was heard from around the world - and is meant to help guide our steps as we continue to pray, discern, and
- [Discerning Deacons & NCCHM reflect on the Global Synod](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/dd-ncchm-global-synod/) - Join DD and the National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry (NCCHM) for a session to reflect and pray with “Enlarge the Space of Your Tent,” the Synod’s Document for the Continental Stage. This landmark synthesis gathers what was heard from around the world – and is meant to help guide our steps as we continue to
- [St. Phoebe School for Synodality: Growing Communities of Practice and Witness](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/st-phoebe-school-for-synodality/) - Join us for these free training sessions that seek to equip individuals and communities with the tools to be protagonists in the church's discernment, particularly about women’s roles in leading and ministering to a synodal Church, during the Year of St. Phoebe. Did you know that Pope Francis has commissioned not one, but two separate
- [For a Synodal Church: Reflecting on the Path in Ireland](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/for-a-synodal-church-reflecting-on-the-path-in-ireland/) - Join Casey Stanton, co-director of Discerning Deacons for a conversation with Dr. Nicola Brady as she reflects on the synodal process in Ireland about navigating tensions and polarities, holding space for all voices to be heard. She'll also share hopes and wisdom for how we might continue to journey together in the continental phase. There
- [Discerning Deacons Reflects with the Global Synod](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/dd-reflects-with-the-global-synod-dec14/) - This session is open to all! Join us for a session to reflect and pray with “Enlarge the Space of Your Tent,” the Synod's Document for the Continental Stage. This landmark synthesis gathers what was heard from around the world - and is meant to help guide our steps as we continue to pray, discern, and
- [Discerning Deacons Reflects with the Global Synod](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/dd-reflects-with-the-global-synod-dec15/) - This session is open to all! Join us for a session to reflect and pray with “Enlarge the Space of Your Tent,” the Synod's Document for the Continental Stage. This landmark synthesis gathers what was heard from around the world - and is meant to help guide our steps as we continue to pray, discern, and
- [Webinar: The Global Synod: What Happens Next?](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/webinar-the-global-synod-what-happens-next/) - Please join us on December 7, 2022, 7:00 – 8:15 pm ET, for a virtual discussion on the next phase of the synod: the continental phase. Hear from synod experts about the continental phase working document, “Enlarge the Space of Your Tent”, and how all are invited to participate in the next phase of the
- [From 'Isolated Consciences' to Conspiring Protagonists: Commitments for Anti-Racist Synodality](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/anti-racism-and-synodality/) - Webinar || Discerning Deacons for a Synodal Church A seasoned organizer, herself committed to walking the path of anti-racism with fellow white brothers and sisters in her parish community, recently reminded me: "You do it unless you are intentional about not doing it." By "it" she means white body supremacy. So how can we be
- [Synod Animators: Report back & Synthesizing - May 25](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/synod-animators-report-back-synthesizing-may-25/) - This session will serve as a book-end to our work to engage in broad and deep consultations. We'll reflect on what we are learning about our own leadership, about the Church and what God seems to be doing in and through the Synod process. We'll also take time to notice the themes that have been
- [Synod Animators: Report back & Synthesizing - May 18](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/synod-animators-report-back-synthesizing-may-18/) - This session will serve as a book-end to our work to engage in broad and deep consultations. We'll reflect on what we are learning about our own leadership, about the Church and what God seems to be doing in and through the Synod process. We'll also take time to notice the themes that have
- [Year of St. Phoebe Kick-Off Call || September 16th](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/september-16-year-of-st-phoebe-kick-off-call/) - Join Discerning Deacons for a Year of St. Phoebe Kick-off Call and learn how YOU and YOUR community can make a difference during this critical year in our Church’s history! As we enter the final year of the global synod, we have an unprecedented opportunity to support the Church’s discernment about women and the diaconate.
- [Year of St. Phoebe Kick-Off Call || September 20th](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/year-of-st-phoebe-kick-off-9-20/) - Join Discerning Deacons for a Year of St. Phoebe Kick-off Call and learn how YOU and YOUR community can make a difference during this critical year in our Church’s history! As we enter the final year of the global synod, we have an unprecedented opportunity to support the Church’s discernment about women and the diaconate.
- [Discerning Deacons National Consultation - May 11](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/national-consultation-1/) - What: Discerning Deacon’s National Synod Consultation Why: Pope Francis wants to hear from YOU. When: Wednesday May 11th from 12-2pm ET or Sunday, May 15th from 3-5pm ET Where: Zoom. Who: Anyone. Especially people who have not yet had a chance to participate in a consultation. For more information visit https://bit.ly/DD2022NC
- [Synodal Listening Session - Women in the Military](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/synodal-listening-session/) - Catholic Women called to become Chaplains in the Armed Forces, Veterans, and those currently serving all who desire female Catholic spirituality: Pope Francis wants to hear from us! He wants to hear about our calling, joys and sorrows. He wants to hear about our hopes and dreams for the Church and how we experienced spirituality
- [Synodal Gathering for Women](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/synodal-gathering-for-women/) - Special Synodal listening session for the women of Sts. Mary & John and St. Benedict Cathedral retreat group. Join us in Rager Hall at Sts. Mary & John Church, 613 Cherry St, Evansville, IN 47713, on Saturday, April 30th at 9 am CT. Please enter Rager Hall from the main (back) parish parking lot. Register
- [Discerning Deacons National Consultation - May 15](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/national-consultation-2/) - What: Discerning Deacon’s National Synod Consultation Why: Pope Francis wants to hear from YOU. When: Wednesday May 11th from 12-2pm ET or Sunday, May 15th from 3-5pm ET Where: Zoom. Who: Anyone. Especially people who have not yet had a chance to participate in a consultation. For more information visit https://bit.ly/DD2022NC
- [An Evening Service of Lament for Holy Week](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/service-of-lament/) - A place to lament; A place to join Jesus and the women of Galilee in their witness to the paschal mystery unfolding before them. We who accompany Jesus. We who know something of the wounds in our own lives. Moving from lament to hope. Join us for this one hour service with optional small group
- [Women, the diaconate and the movement for a synodal church](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/women-the-diaconate-and-the-movement-for-a-synodal-church/)
- [Change, Hope and the Catholic Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/event/change-hope-and-the-catholic-church/)

## Witness

- [Beth Freeman](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/beth-freeman/) - "I have listened to young women’s laments around the sexist language they hear in Catholic worship and prayers, and we have shared and dreamed together our hopes for a more inclusive Church that sees women represented on the altar."
- [Jolaine M.J. Liupakka, PMin](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/jolaine-m-j-liupakka-pmin/) - "I felt seen in my call to pastoral care, to teaching, to preaching—just as clearly as my ordained colleagues are seen in theirs. I felt valued. Not invisible. Not dismissed. I don’t know what the future holds—for me, or for the role of women in the Church. But I know this: I have hope."
- [Beth Brinkmann Cianci](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/beth-brinkmann-cianci/) - "If I were a deacon, I would have the support of other deacons and a community where I could draw strength through prayer and discernment. Women would have the privilege of speaking about Catholic social teaching from the ambo. I do believe women as deacons would renew the face of the Church."
- [Jill Caldwell](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/jill-caldwell/) - Women need to share their spiritual gifts with others as deacons, serving those who are currently unserved, reaching towards the fullness of the expression of our faith.
- [Fr. Gregory Michael Barras](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-gregory-michael-barras/) - "Women are created in the image and likeness of God. Their wisdom, experience, emotional constitution are critical to leading a parish, diocese, any ministry."
- [Nina Laubach](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/nina-laubach/) - "If I was ordained as a deacon, it would not be a means to an end, but rather it would be a continual invitation to a deeper and broader journey with Christ. Deacons are asked to become outwardly more visible as hands in service to the Church. To respond to such a vocation would be a treasure, a deepening of my inner faith life enriched by the outward experiences of ministry and service. Both the inner and outer journey become a longing to seek and know the Christ we are called to serve."
- [Rev. Dr. Jasmin Hivale](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/rev-dr-jasmin-hivale/) - “I have always felt like God equips us with the gifts we need along our journey as we need. This has certainly been true throughout my life, which I am so deeply grateful for. I always say, it’s not me, it has to be God!”
- [South Seattle Parish Family](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/south-seattle-parish-family/) - "We are happy to be able to share about women in the Church who lead and are heard, especially for the youngest amongst us who need to hear this message."
- [St. John - St. Paul Collaborative](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-john-st-paul-collaborative/) - "The energy following mass was palpable! We heard hopeful murmurs saying that this truly might be the time for change. We were encouraged in the reflection shared to collaborate with one another. Priests and laity, women and men all need to affirm and partner together so that, as the People of God we can discern the movement of the Spirit."
- [St. William Catholic Community](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-william-catholic-community/) - "A highlight for many present was the Scripture reflection offered by a 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."
- [Sr. Janet M. Peterworth, OSU](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/sr-janet-m-peterworth-osu/) - "I have always viewed my ministry through this lens – out of service for and to the people of God. My intention was and is never to center myself in my ministry as a lay leader, rather my focus was always on how I could better uplift others in our midst. The Holy Spirit has certainly been active in the communities where I have ministered."
- [Devon James](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/devon-james/) - "The mission of Discerning Deacons is important because they are advocating for a larger role for women in the Church, which is hard to do. Discerning Deacons is unafraid to get their hands dirty to bring about a more inclusive Church for women."
- [Anne Gibbons](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/anne-gibbons/) - "I believe that one of the hallmarks of authentic vocation is confirmation and affirmation from the community. I have been blessed throughout my years of ministry to serve alongside others who recognized, acknowledged, and affirmed my gifts and skills to minister."
- [Seattle Preparatory School](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/seattle-preparatory-school/) - "In learning of St. Phoebe, the Synod and the movement for women’s ordination to the permanent diaconate, many students shared that they are hopeful that change is coming! For young people, knowing that the Church is dynamic and able to change and grow in response to the movement of the Holy Spirit in the world is profoundly important."
- [St. Elizabeth Catholic Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-elizabeth-catholic-church/) - "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."
- [St. Margaret of Scotland](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-margaret-of-scotland/) - "Growing the devotion to St. Phoebe in our community was certainly a goal it felt like we were closer to achieving. Together, we prayed also for the Synod, and for our shared call to pay attention, pray and continue to discuss women’s leadership and ministry in the Church. We know this is just the beginning of our conversation together!"
- [Spirituality Hub Kirup](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/spirituality-hub-kirup/) - “In a church where many of us feel discouraged by experiences of our leadership not being valued and seen, our celebration was an important place for us to rally together to pray and share.”
- [Basilica of Saint Mary](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/basilica-of-saint-mary/) - "Many even shared that they hoped that there would be more St. Phoebe Day celebrations in the future, and that they wanted to continue to have the chance to hear women in our community break open the Scriptures and reflect during Mass!"
- [Don Highberger, SJ](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/don-highberger-sj/) - "I have been blessed with women who have shared their many gifts with me. They have broken open Scripture for the people of God with their own perspective and insight. They have shown ways of leading which empower and confirm the value of each individual person. They have offered perspectives and visions of the Spirit’s call to live God’s love for all."
- [Theresa Shepherd-Lukasik](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/theresa-shepherd-lukasik/) - "If I could be ordained a deacon, the people would hear the Good News preached with authority at the pulpit and in the world. For me personally, it would feel like the ability to serve in the manner in which God has put on my heart to serve. As a minister of the word, liturgy and charity, I would preach the word to inspire others to love God and their neighbor. I would continue to bring communion to the sick and imprisoned, but I would also free our priests by taking on some baptisms, weddings, and funeral services that are outside of the Mass. It would feel like the fullness of what I was meant to do."
- [Aaron Sinner](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/aaron-sinner/) - "As our Church continues its discernment, I would hope the question it considers is not, 'Can we permit women deacons?', but rather, 'Are we absolutely certain we are justified in withholding the grace of the diaconate from women?' I hope our Church is big enough to contain the possibility and dignity I see in my daughters, and in so many other women."
- [Julia D’Agostino, MDiv](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/julia-dagostino-mdiv/) - “And when I get antsy waiting, as I often do, I remember the women I met who showed me that the ‘not yet’ is an “already.” Women deacons have existed and continue to exist. Someday, I may be one of them.“
- [Kathy Herrington](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/kathy-herrington/) - “I have not given a thought about becoming a deacon, but would consider the possibility if asked to become a deacon. Ultimately, I know and feel strongly that the presence of women ministerially can have a profound impact on the Church.”
- [Helena Ditko](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/helena-ditko/) - “God has a marvelous plan in all things and whether or not I am called to the diaconate, my service to God and God's people will always continue. Discerning is a process that always comes with change.”
- [Dr. Denise Mack](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/dr-denise-mack/) - “In my 47-years of ministry, I was the only person some women told of their abortion, a person others asked for guidance about issues of fertility, marriage, children, family life, in-laws, etc. This trust being honored and uplifted by the Church through the inclusion of women in the diaconate would be profoundly significant. I would be proud to be a deacon to embrace both my own calling and to be a part of greater change.”
- [Fr. Dave Bruning](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-dave-bruning/) - “Restoring women to the diaconate would provide an official witness to the diakonia (ministry of service) already taking place among women in the Church, just as it has done for men ministering in the Church.“
- [Julia Erdlen](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/julia-erdlen/) - "As a college campus minister, diaconal ordination wouldn’t change how I encounter my students on the margins, but it would change how they encounter the Church through me. I wouldn’t be only Julia, their campus minister who tells them that God loves them unconditionally, but an official representative of a Church that loves them too."
- [Jessica Kenny](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/jessica-kenny/) - "Restoring the diaconate in my church, to include women, supports the hopes and desires of our whole community where I see a longing for both male and female deacons to serve. As soon as I had the opportunity to become an acolyte, I became one. If I had the opportunity to become a deacon, I similarly would rejoice at the opportunity!"
- [Oblate James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/oblate-james-holzhauer-chuckas-obsb/) - “If I were ordained a deacon, it would only be because I have accepted a call to a vocation that is equally accessible to women.“
- [Kathleen O'Brien](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/kathleen-obrien/) - "Being able to be educated on who St. Phoebe is and giving others the chance to meet her, being part of a community of women who promote an inclusive model of the church, and seeing my own community come alive and heal from division provides a vision of what can and will be possible one day in the Catholic Church."
- [Fr. Tom Cwick, SJ](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-tom-cwick-sj/) - "I have witnessed these women become Catholic high school teachers, professors, writers, administer parish life and leaders of prayer services. Women have been my peers and supervisors, except in diaconal ministry. I continue to hold out hope that women's gifts for ministry and service can and will be acknowledged by the church."
- [Fr. Vincent Dsouza, SJ](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-vincent-dsouza-sj/) - "I am grateful as a pastor and a part of the BCCs here to learn and journey together with others. As a priest in our community, I am proud to be a part of this ministry to uplift women who are struggling. It is great joy and fulfillment. In my personal life, I have experienced the richness of acknowledging and uplifting the witness of women in the early Church and also in our Church today."
- [Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/our-lady-of-guadalupe-parish-2/) - "Following our celebration, members of the planning team answered questions from attendees and took photos with those who were supportive of our celebration or who heard about our celebration from our outreach prior. Our community is deeply grateful for the opportunity to not only celebrate St. Phoebe, but further for this opportunity to uplift women in our community and to continue to learn about and to pray for the ongoing Synod."
- [Wendy Mellenthin](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/wendy-mellenthin/) - "It is meaningful to reflect upon my journey and the many 'Phoebes' who have accompanied me on my journey into the Church, my journey as a lay Franciscan, my journey in synodality and uplifting women in the Church. I dream of a Church that can be a moving force in serving all people and helping each person recognize and use the gifts given by the Holy Spirit. 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven' can only be accomplished if the gifts of ALL people, regardless of gender, age, race and ethnicity, are included and welcomed."
- [Fr. Martin Ngo, SJ](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-martin-ngo-sj/) - Seeing women deacons would serve as a vast, yet strikingly modest, step in the right direction to help loosen the unnecessary (can we say unjust?) thorn in the Church's side. It would open doors allowing the full range of gifts (of women) to heal, accompany, and refresh others. It would bring about the kind of renewing of spirit that we often pray for in our Church.
- [Rhonda Miska](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/rhonda-miska/) - "Preaching on the Feast of St. Phoebe, and supporting and training other women to preach, was a joyful and invigorating experience. It is beautiful to see women claim the truth that they are called and gifted, and equally beautiful to see the People of God's receptivity to women's preaching, ministry, and leadership."
- [Dermis de Jesús](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/dermis-de-jesus/) - "I thought of the Phoebes in my life: my grandmother Isabel, my religion teachers- lay and nuns; my mentors in youth groups, my role models in young adult ministries; the mothers of the Church in my Germantown, Philadelphia parish; my own mother, and then I even dared to look at myself."
- [Krista M. Kutz, MDiv](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/krista-m-kutz-mdiv/) - I have always felt called to ministry leadership, and I hope to be able to serve others as a deacon one day in my lifetime. Specifically, I have training as a preacher and experience officiating weddings. I often lean in to help plan funerals for loved ones, and prayer services around significant events. These ways of offering my service and gifts to others makes me feel most alive.
- [Kelly Sankowski](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/kelly-sankowski/) - "This is not only because Church teaching written by men sometimes misses the mark when it comes to women’s lived experience. It is not only because our Church’s management in many ways mirrors the patriarchal systems that have also harmed our secular society – mismanaging cases of abuse and failing to provide living wages or adequate parental leave policies to its employees. It is primarily because without women’s voices, we are missing out on entire elements of who God is."
- [Colleen Schoeck](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/colleen-schoeck/) - "To be a woman and to speak about my experience of God during Mass meant so much to me and to many other women present. Discerning Deacons has given me hope for a Church that includes, honors, and celebrates women’s voices, leadership, and ministry. I feel honored to be a part of this community."
- [Fr. William Heric](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-william-heric/) - "The time is right, and frankly, long overdue for the pastoral leadership of these women to be acknowledged through their ordination as deacons in the Church. The current ordained ministry of the Church is increasingly impoverished by the absence of women serving in this official capacity."
- [St. John Fisher Parish](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-john-fisher-parish/) - "Learning about the history of women in the diaconate gave context to efforts to enable women's participation in the diaconate today, and it was powerful to celebrate St. Phoebe and uplift the ministry of women in our own community."
- [Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/newman-hall-holy-spirit-parish/) - "Together, we experienced the parrhesia that Pope Francis invites us to; there was openness, honesty and transparency that was courageously present in our dialogue. We were truly able to embody synodality in action where all were able to share their feelings and experiences."
- [St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-theresa-of-the-child-jesus-parish/) - "What surprised us, was that nobody was saying, “oh it’s a woman doing a reflection” instead what we heard was, “I didn’t know anything about Saint Phoebe”. We were pleased and delighted by our community’s response!"
- [June Caldwell](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/june-caldwell/) - I feel called to a greater spiritual life on this earth daily. This call goes unfulfilled within the community we currently have in the Church. I stay faithful to the Church in the hope that the Holy Spirit will breathe new life into the Church so that all who are called might serve.
- [Angélique Pontneau Stevens](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/angelique-pontneau-stevens/) - If I were a deacon, I could also share the Good News by preaching at Mass and offering hospitality to the rest of our community. I understand that this would be a long journey and require my family's support, but my heart is filled with hope and passion when I think about serving the Church as a deacon.
- [Fr. Al Hirt](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-al-hirt/) - Personally, I have struggled with the role of deacons, which added another male vested in the sanctuary. I know the pain of many women watching the sanctuary be even more dominated by men. The thought of have a woman deacon in our sanctuary is thrilling!
- [Jane Cavanaugh](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/jane-cavanaugh/) - "I know God is using my skills and talents right now to get us, at some point, into the Promised Land ––when our Church fully acknowledges and embraces the gifts and leadership vocations of women around the world."
- [Dolores Mission Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/dolores-mission-church/) - "The loveliest and most hopeful memories from our celebration for me were the planning meetings led by myself and our priests, who supported me in this idea with an open heart. They spoke and accompanied our young women in the process, uplifting their voices and leadership in our community."
- [Rosa Bonilla](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/rosa-bonilla/) - "Part of my joy comes from the fact that in my work in the parish I have the privilege of doing diaconal work serving my community, the poorest of the poor, the marginalized, the immigrants, and those who are sick at home or in the hospital. I am honored to accompany them, praying and offering spiritual support as well as basic resources for those in need."
- [Mercy Academy](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/mercy-academy/) - "Students were moved and inspired by learning more about St. Phoebe. As a part of a student-led prayer assignment for her theology class, one sophomore student decided to focus her prayer on St. Phoebe. In her prayer assignment she states: 'We pray to you to give not only those at the Synod blessing and advice on how to enlarge one’s tent, and also to possibly open up more role opportunities for women in the church–just like St. Phoebe–as well as blessing all of us with advice on how to enlarge our own tents.'"
- [St. James Cathedral](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-james-cathedral/) - "By celebrating Evening Prayer, rather than Mass, we were also able to demonstrate how much is already possible within the parameters of Church practice. Laypeople are only allowed to give reflections at Mass under very limited conditions. In the Liturgy of the Hours, lay preaching is already permitted."
- [St. Leo's Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-leos-church/) - "Together, here at St. Leo, we were blessed to uplift St. Phoebe in a way that not only celebrated St. Phoebe, but also celebrated the many wonderful gifts and ministries of women in our local parish community."
- [Dominican University](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/dominican-university/) - "Students, staff, faculty, and community members were nourished and energized by fellowship, authentic conversation, and prayer. St. Phoebe Day created space for conversations rooted in truth: the truth of our individual experiences, our shared faith, and who and how we are called to be as Church."
- [St. Monica Catholic Community](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-monica-catholic-community/) - "Together, we were so grateful and inspired by our celebration, and we were deeply moved to bear witness to the leadership of women in our own community, all of whom have blessed us with their leadership, gifts and ministry for many years. It felt so fitting to hear them break open the word for our community at St. Phoebe Day, as they have and continue to break open God’s word and loving mission through their lives and service."
- [Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/our-lady-of-nazareth-catholic-church/) - "A young woman from our parish, who dreams of a future for women in the Church, is an artist and also developed coloring book type pages about St. Phoebe for the children as part of our celebration. Together, we are grateful to uplift St. Phoebe in our parish, and we will continue to uplift the witness of women in our own community and in our Church!"
- [St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-vincent-de-paul-catholic-church/) - "There was a wonderful energy emanating from uplifting girls and women throughout the liturgy- altar servers, lectors, cantors, Eucharistic ministers and lay leaders of prayer. There was a spirit of hope in what could be possible for the future of our Church!"
- [Cranaleith Spiritual Center](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/cranaleith-spiritual-center/) - "Together, we are grateful that the ministry and example of St. Phoebe enlivens our community to participate in exploring the unique gifts of women in our faith community. Here at Cranaleith, we feel strongly about creating space for all those seeking wholeness and transformation for themselves, their communities and society. This retreat was an opportunity for us to do just that."
- [Indianapolis Phoebe Circle](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/brebeuf-jesuit-preparatory-school/) - "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."
- [St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-joan-of-arc-catholic-community/) - “Our St. Phoebe Day celebration was a Catholic mass at its best—coming together, unified at the Eucharistic table, getting nourished through meaningful ritual, prayerful and relevant songs, a challenging message on synodality from scripture, and engaging and honest testimonies from two women in our community. St. Joan of Arc parish today did what Jesus did years ago—fed souls and gave people hope.”
- [Rosemont College](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/rosemont-college/) - "The icon of St. Phoebe is still present in our Chapel today, where we are able to remember her witness and ask her to intercede on our behalf."
- [Catholics for Change in Our Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/catholics-for-change-in-our-church/) - "For St. Phoebe Day in 2023, that Mass had a strong focus on women’s role in the Church, particularly given that the celebration coincided with Labor Day which provided even more reason to focus on the amazing work that women do for our Church."
- [St. Basil's Catholic Parish](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-basils-catholic-parish/) - "This was such a great learning experience for all of us, and even more so, a chance to build momentum and connection."
- [Holy Name of Jesus Parish](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/holy-name-of-jesus-parish/) - "We are proud to stand on the shoulders of the many women who have ministered to the people of God throughout time!"
- [St. Theresa Catholic Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-theresa-catholic-church/) - "St. Phoebe is an inspiration to us on our journey together. She inspires us to work hard, to greet and welcome others, and to hold close to the Word of God. Because of her example, we can be active bearers of God’s love which we have experienced in our lives."
- [Saint Joseph's University Campus Ministry](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/saint-josephs-university-campus-ministry/) - "We are grateful and moved by this opportunity to uplift the witnesses of influential women in our lives and communities at this exciting, synodal time in the Church."
- [St. Barnabas Parish](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-barnabas-parish/) - "The most meaningful parts of our celebration together included a standing ovation following the witness reflection, the power and strength of the reflection itself, and the procession at the start of mass. In the procession, young women carried in and presented symbols of St. Phoebe including an icon, the commission of St. Paul, a deacon’s stole and a pitcher of water to symbolize our shared baptism."
- [St. Ambrose University](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/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!"
- [University of Dayton Campus Ministry](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/university-of-dayton-campus-ministry/) - "It was especially meaningful to hear a woman break open the scripture for our community. This is just the beginning of raising awareness on our campus of the witness and ministry of St. Phoebe, and the witness of women in our community. Together, we are just beginning our journey of rethinking women's participation in the Church."
- [The Church of St. Francis Xavier](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/the-church-of-st-francis-xavier/) - "We raised so much awareness from our event, of both the ongoing Synod and of St. Phoebe and her ministry. Together, we learned of the power of the intercession of St. Phoebe, and how significant her feast day can be to carry the message of women’s roles in the Church."
- [Carley Haselhorst](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/carley-haselhorst/) - "Yet, over the years as I’ve tried to find my place in the Church, the diaconate has remained my guiding light. I cannot imagine anything more exhilarating than embodying a bridge from the pulpit to the marginalized."
- [Immaculate Conception Catholic Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/immaculate-conception-catholic-church/) - "[W]e celebrated St. Phoebe’s feast day with special Masses that centered the role of women and uplifted the witness of St. Phoebe on September 3, 2023...We were glad to uplift the witness and ministry of St. Phoebe. For many in our parish, this was their first chance to become aware of her ministry! We were honored to celebrate St. Phoebe, and we will continue learning and discerning together."
- [Our Lady of Loretto](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/our-lady-of-loretto-sisters-of-the-holy-cross-south-bend-in/) - "Together, increasing our devotion to St. Phoebe, we created something that was empowering, mystical, connective and embodied. We experienced what it can feel like to walk and pray together on a synodal journey. We are powerful together! There is such a thirst for this conversation and for this type of embodied prayer and communal witness."
- [St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-martin-de-porres-catholic-church/) - "Some parishioners expressed their deep hope that, although the uplifting of women in the Church has often been absent in their own lives, that this can be different for coming generations. As a community, we are committed to continuing this conversation, praying for the ongoing Synod and continuing to uplift the voices of women ministering in the Church in both seen and unseen ways!"
- [The Immaculata](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/the-immaculata/) - "[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."
- [Church of the Good Shepherd/Immaculate Conception Parish](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/church-of-the-good-shepherd-immaculate-conception-parish/) - "We know that the synodal process is a gift for us to discern, pray and discuss the possibility of a diaconate that includes both men and women, and more active involvement for women in the Church. Our St. Phoebe celebration was just the beginning of what is to come."
- [Our Lady of the Lake](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/our-lady-of-the-lake/) - "Our community, represented by three generations of women, demonstrated our commitment to the witness of St. Phoebe in a visible and concrete way...We are deeply impacted by our experience of sharing the witness of St. Phoebe, and excited to continue to uplift the ministry of women in our own parish and in the Church broadly."
- [St. Vincent de Paul Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-vincent-de-paul-church/) - "We pray that the infinite and intimate service of St. Phoebe will be acknowledged and accepted by all. St. Phoebe is a sign of hope today that the gifts of women will be more fully realized and utilized within the Church...We are blessed to have celebrated St. Phoebe in our community and to continue to learn from her example and witness."
- [St. Bridget of Kildare Parish](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-bridget-of-kildare-parish/) - "As a parish, we know the blessing of the many ministries and gifts that women in our parish share with all of us. Celebrating Mass this weekend to honor the witness of St. Phoebe focused attention on women’s gifts for leadership in our parish and the Church more broadly. We are proud to be a part of the conversation and discernment for women's ordination to the diaconate."
- [St. Francis Xavier College Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-francis-xavier-college-church/) - "[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."
- [St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/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!"
- [Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/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."
- [Church of the Ascension](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/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. Therese Parish](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-therese-parish/) - "In preparing for our celebration, those involved in planning were able to demonstrate how change within the Church does not need to be cause for division, but rather can bring our community together. The Church has experienced change before; we should not fear! We will continue on this journey alongside one another."
- [Immaculate Conception Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/immaculate-conception-church/) - "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."
- [St. Mary's Catholic Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-marys-catholic-church/) - "Our experience together was such a blessing, and we will continue to reach out to others amongst us to uplift the witnesses of women in our community on our journey together."
- [St. Thomas More Catholic Community](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-thomas-more-catholic-community/) - "This was definitely a new experience for all who were involved in planning our celebration—there is value, risk and vulnerability in public witness! We are grateful to accompany one another on this journey."
- [St. Francis of Assisi Parish](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-francis-of-assisi-parish/) - "Before our celebration, 10 women from the parish joined together to pray and prepare for our St. Phoebe day celebration. This was such a profound experience. A few of the women shared reflections at the Masses, and we met together to workshop and practice these reflections. This was deeply rewarding and humbling to be in this community of women supporting and praying for one another."
- [Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/intercommunity-peace-and-justice-center/) - "There was an inherent openness at our celebration that reflected a deep sense of invitation. We are inviting the experiences of all to be shared, and in-turn, inviting the presence of the Holy Spirit in our community."
- [St. Joseph Parish](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-joseph-parish/) - "Some mothers from our parish shared their fierce hope that maybe their young daughters will have the opportunity to serve as deacons."
- [St. Francis Xavier Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-francis-xavier-church/) - "St. Phoebe reflected the courage and perseverance that we all hope to embody on this journey. We will need her intercession and example to speak fearlessly and to truly attend to the participation and witness of all. We must keep listening! We have been told that we do not have to wait for the Church we want to see. Our St. Phoebe celebration was a true example of that."
- [Holy Spirit Catholic Parish](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/holy-spirit-catholic-parish/) - "Members of the parish were deeply moved by the reflections shared, and as a community we are committed to joining with others in prayer for the ongoing Synod. These Masses raised awareness for many in our community, as many were not at all aware of St. Phoebe’s witness or the Synod. As a parish we are excited to continue the momentum from this event for the ongoing synodal process of journeying together!"
- [Australian Catholics Exploring the Diaconate](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/australian-catholics-exploring-the-diaconate/) - "It was deeply inspiring to bear witness to the stories of each person’s journey of faith and ministry. Together, we ensured that everyone’s voice and experience had space to be heard and valued. This event was part of our journey to support diaconal ministry in Australia."
- [St. Raphaela Center](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-raphaela-center/) - "Together, we were able to share an experience that, through imagery, prayer, reflection and conversation was able to concretely connect the life and witness of St. Phoebe to the Synod and the discernment of women’s ordination to the diaconate today. The witness of St. Phoebe is powerful for us as a community, and we are committed to continuing to center women’s voices and uplift women’s experiences, especially in spaces of prayer, so that in our community and others we can all “receive her.”"
- [Christ the King Catholic Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/christ-the-king-catholic-church/) - "It was powerful and inspiring to see women involved in the Mass in such an active way. Simply seeing and hearing women during the liturgy is meaningful. Most people had not heard of St. Phoebe before this, and they were excited to learn about her ministry and witness. This celebration excites us—this is truly the time for us to rethink women’s participation in the Church. We are grateful to have celebrated the ministry and witness of St. Phoebe and are excited to continue on this journey of discernment together."
- [St. Francis of Assisi Church](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/st-francis-of-assisi-church/) - "We are committed to praying for the synod and for continuing to raise awareness about St. Phoebe and the ministry of women in the Church in our area. During the preparatory discussions for our celebration, some women in the group expressed that they had tried to organize around women’s leadership over 40 years ago, unfortunately receiving too much push back at the time. They are overjoyed to be a part of this discernment and conversation today; this might be the time!"
- [Bellarmine Chapel](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/bellarmine-chapel/) - "St. Phoebe’s intercession in our community is powerful! This is just the beginning of our spirit-filled journey of rethinking women’s participation alongside one another."
- [Stonehill College Campus Ministry](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/stonehill-college-campus-ministry/) - "Together, we can be fearless. God moves in us, and God moved in St. Phoebe! It felt so freeing to honestly speak both our laments and hopes as women in the Church. If we do not use our voices, the Church will never change and grow to be what it can be for all of us."
- [Michelle Catania](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/michelle-catania/) - "While I’m not necessarily the one who is called to do the proclaiming, I feel called to be the one who holds the microphone for every woman who does. I hope that there are going to be generations of witnesses coming after us who will do the same. I am praying for our Church to institutionally recognize the calling of so many women already serving and leading globally."
- [Elizabeth Young, R.S.M.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/elizabeth-young-r-s-m/) - "As religious Sisters, we are called to the margins, where people are hungry for spiritual nourishment. And somehow, I have been blessed to end up in roles that appear very similar to the diaconate, working for dioceses in chaplaincy and remote ministries. For the past 3 years I have also been interviewing many deacons and those in similar ministries for the Liturgy on the Margins blog. It has given me a great appreciation of the diaconate, with all of its challenges and joys, but especially the potential of deacons to make a difference in the most significant times of people's lives."
- [Helen Oesterle](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/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](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/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."
- [Mary Ellen Thomas](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/mary-ellen-thomas/) - We don't have a shortage of priests as much as we have a shortage of listening to the Holy Spirit. Jesus has told us not to be afraid. I think we very much need the courage of women, who bring unique gifts and vision to the service of the people and the Church.
- [Fr. Stephen P Newton, CSC](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/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!"
- [Fr. Joseph A. Genito, O.S.A.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/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](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/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."
- [Mary Caroline Jonah](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/mary-caroline-jonah/) - I believe God called me from my ministry as an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church so that my life would be a presence of an ordained woman in the Catholic Church. This is the heart of what I am in all I do. God is again calling the Church to be ministered to, and minister with ordained women.
- [Dr. Luz Marina Diaz](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/dr-luz-marina-diaz/) - "The Discerning Deacons project reflects our prophetic responsibility as baptized believers through its mission...It also identifies the need for the restoration of the women's diaconate in a synodal way, which is Pope Francis’ invitation to church proceedings ‘to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, give strength to our hands’ (Preparatory Document, #32)."
- [Daryl Grigsby](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/daryl-grigsby/) - "Without women there is no Catholic church, hospital, school, university, social service, prison ministry, etc. The role of deacon would pour out the Spirit on the Church and the world through the women in whom He/She resides."
- [Sonja Grace](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/sonja-grace/) - "The first Apostle was a woman, Mary Magdalena. She continues to remain a tower of strength for women in ministry today. If more women were ordained to the diaconate in the Roman Catholic Church, I believe we would have more meaningful and spiritually enriching homilies, and our liturgies would embrace and welcome all to the Eucharistic table."
- [Deedee Van Dyke](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/deedee-van-dyke/) - "[I hope the Church ordains women to the diaconate] to bring a wider witness and expression of God's life, love, and presence to the people of God. Women's voices and leadership will heal, encourage and empower the lives of men, women, and children. It will call forth a new understanding of church vocation and enrich Catholic family life."
- [Joe Crotty](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/joe-crotty/) - "Fifty percent of the Church's voices go unheard from the pulpit. This frustrates the work of the Holy Spirit. The Church is under-served because of it."
- [Sr. Catherine Murray](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/sr-catherine-murray/) - "As women we continue to open possibilities to share our gifts in this church we love. We draw upon the witness of women church leaders who followed Christ - from Mary Magdalene and the early deaconesses to the present day."
- [Katie Laskey](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/katie-laskey/) - "I'm not sure I'm really called to be a deacon, but even the chance to have a platform in front of a parish during mass would be a revelation for folks, especially people who experience gender discrimination. The Church would start to live out a truer version of universality."
- [Kathleen Carlton Johnson](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/kathleen-carlton-johnson/) - "Women have been the caregivers and great support of most churches. Why? Because we deal with the personhood of the ordinary. The everyday matters of living. To me, that is what a deacon is. She extends the Church to the common community: visiting the sick and dying, helping parents with family problems, attending as a lector at Mass, burying the dead, and comforting families."
- [M. Therese Lysaught, Ph.D.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/m-therese-lysaught-ph-d-theologian/) - "It is time for the Church to heed the Spirit’s voice, recognizing women’s call to the diaconate and allow the Spirit to restore and renew the Body of Christ so that it may fully live into its identity of missionary discipleship."
- [Fr. Bob Bonnot](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/bob-bonnot/) - “The Discerning Deacons initiative is an effective and timely way to engage the baptized and enable them to learn, discern, and raise their voice regarding the ordination of women deacons.”
- [Fr. Scott Santarosa, S.J.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/very-rev-scott-santarosa-s-j/) - “I know there is great hunger for the sacraments, and I believe women deacons could help the Church significantly in much-needed sacramental ministry. Further, I believe having women preach the Word would help the gospel be more accessible and spiritually fruitful to a greater percentage of the population.”
- [Fr. Jude Siciliano, O.P.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-jude-siciliano-o-p/) - “Mary Magdalene was the first to proclaim Jesus' resurrection. The role of the deacon is to preach and care for the needy. Women already do this in many ways in our church communities, and that needs to be officially acknowledged by ordaining women to the diaconate.”
- [Most Rev. Randolph Calvo](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/most-rev-randolph-calvo/) - “Women have undertaken the Church’s diakonia or diaconal ministry from the very beginning as attested in the New Testament, Patristic writings and other sources. Some held the title of ‘deacon’ or ‘deaconess’ through a formal liturgical rite. Throughout the centuries women have engaged in diaconal ministry in myriad, competent and often heroic ways. Recently women have asked the Church to explore the restoration of women in the diaconate in service of the Church’s mission. Discerning Deacons is a timely forum for listening to voices in the Church and advancing this discussion.”
- [Joan D. Martin, Ph.D.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/joan-d-martin-ph-d/) - "I feel that the Catholic Church as it is structured is not what Jesus envisioned for his followers—so many of them were women of his day. What happened?"
- [Keith Davis](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/keith-davis/) - "It is time to open up the permanent diaconate to all who are qualified regardless of gender. The Church needs this witness."
- [Lena Denis](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/lena-denis/) - "Having women present in leadership at Mass would truly reveal the importance of women in the church."
- [Deacon Frank "Jay" Vocelka, OblSB](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/deacon-frank-jay-vocelka-oblsb/) - "What a blessing it would be to see women ... preaching the Good News from the pulpit and feeding God's people at the Eucharist table as an Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion."
- [Katherine Novinski](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/katherine-novinski/) - "My hope is that young girls will not be reminded on a weekly basis of how they are excluded from Catholic Mass and that young boys will not be reminded on a weekly basis of how they are empowered above women through the current Catholic institutional structures."
- [Fr. Gonzalo Torres-Acosta, OFM](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-gonzalo-torres-acosta-ofm/) - La ordenación de mujeres para el diaconado no es solo una necesidad urgente de la Iglesia para responder a la gran escasez de vocaciones a la vida consagrada, sino también, y más importantemente, una cuestión de Justica y una verdadera edificación del Reino de Dios, donde reconozcamos and afirmemos, como el Cuerpo de Cristo, la IGUALDAD, la dignidad y los dones que mujeres y hombres hemos recibido de nuestro Creador.
- [Luke Hansen](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/luke-hansen/) - "I dream of a Church that receives and empowers the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given to each member. Ordaining women to the diaconate is one important way to recognize and strengthen the diaconal ministry that is already exercised by Catholic women everywhere."
- [Louise Beggs](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/louise-beggs/) - "Our Church needs women to be fully alive and active in and through her. I hope I see women welcomed to enter and live the diaconate in our Catholic Church in my lifetime. I would sign up yesterday."
- [Deacon Dennis T. Duffell](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/deacon-dennis-t-duffell/) - Many women I know are competent Catholic ministers, discern a call, and deserve to be empowered by our institution and fully recognized in our communities. It would dignify our Church to recognize this reality.
- [Fr. Michael Hickin](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-michael-hickin/) - "To encounter a woman deacon would offer the world a different prism through which to meet and marvel at the truth of Jesus. The beauty of Catholicism deserves to reflect his bold collaboration with women."
- [Sr. Mary Lamski, C.S.J.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/sr-mary-lamski/) - "I do hope the Church ordains women to the diaconate soon. There is no reason why it should be postponed any longer, since women have done pastoral and spiritual ministry for many, many years! As a rural Pastoral Administrator, I have already carried out the ministry of a deacon."
- [Gladys Whitehouse](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/gladys-c-whitehouse/) - "I believe I am gifted and called to this sacramental ministry as a deacon, but it is not allowed to me as a woman. Still, our director of liturgy often tells me that I am a deacon and continues to invite me to preside at prayer services whenever he can."
- [Fr. Joe Doran](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-joe-doran/) - "I find in Discerning Deacons a genuine understanding of and commitment to the process of discernment. I would encourage all who love the Church to engage in this process."
- [Fr. Theodore K. Cassidy, S.M.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/theodore-cassidy/) - "I am very pleased to see the Church investigate in an open way the diaconate for women. In this matter, the Church will grow as we discern together with an openness to the Holy Spirit. I strongly support the recognition of women as deacons."
- [Fr. Gregory Heille, O.P.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-gregory-heille-o-p/) - "I see so many women well prepared to preach the Gospel, both in the liturgical pulpit and beyond."
- [Deacon Carlos Rodriguez](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/deacon-carlos-rodriguez/) - "God calls us all, and we are called to answer. This is difficult to do when we have a system that keeps half the population from responding to the Holy Spirit."
- [Javier H. López](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/javier-h-lopez/) - "It's high time for the Church consider not only the important topic of women deacons but also making it easier for every Catholic interested to become a deacon."
- [Yolanda Scott Brown, D.Min.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/yolanda-scott-brown/) - If the vocations of women as deacons were again recognized, as in the early centuries of the Church, the Body of Christ would be strengthened. Discerning Deacons is helping renew the Church by engaging Catholics in this discernment."
- [Anne Feczko](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/anne-feczko/) - "I dream of a world where girls and women sitting in pews around the world can feel empowered to follow the Holy Spirit's call wherever it takes them, including the diaconate."
- [Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-richard-rohr/) - “I’m glad to endorse Discerning Deacons and encourage those seeking meaningful ways to pray and act together on this important question for our time.”
- [Fr. James F. Keenan, S.J.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-james-f-keenan/) - “On two occasions, Pope Francis has established commissions to discern the question of women and the diaconate. Now it's time for all in the Church to do so.”
- [Margaret Rose Byrne](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/margaret-rose-byrne/) - "The flock, especially women in need of ministry, would be more effectively shepherded if women were clearly and visibly available as deacons."
- [Fr. James Casciotti, S.J.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/james-casciotti/) - "The time has come to embrace and empower the gifts of women in the leadership, governance and sacramental ministry of the Church."
- [Fr. Thomas Zelinski, O.F.M. Cap.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/thomas-zelinski/) - "We need a wider participation of women in the whole life of the Church. The diaconate would be a great step in the right direction."
- [Deacon Joseph DePage](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/joseph-depage/) - "Just as the Church is richer for having deacons, the diaconate will be richer and more representative when we see the restoration of women to the Order."
- [Bill Casey](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/bill-casey/) - "It is time to return to the practice found in the earliest experience of the Christian Church. If women are again ordained as deacons, the Church will more fully receive the gifts of women."
- [Iris Lorena Ortiz Arce](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/iris-lorena-ortiz-arce/) - "Our ministry as consecrated women is incredibly powerful, but some of us, who feel called to be ordained as deacons, could do even more than what we are doing now."
- [Jennifer Quinlan](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/jennifer-quinlan/) - "I hope the Church ordains women to the diaconate because it is important to honor the truth of their calling."
- [Anne Hansen](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/anne-hansen/) - “The inclusion of women in ordained ministry is imperative for the future of the Catholic Church.”
- [Fran McDonald](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fran-mcdonald/) - “Women need to be heard. We are half of the human race. We were created as equal to men.”
- [Sr. Charlotte Davenport, C.S.J.P.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/charlotte-davenport/) - “It is important to consider the role of the diaconate in serving today’s world. Service is greater than gender.”
- [Deacon Paul Emerson](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/deacon-paul-emerson/) - “It’s time, again! God, who is the God of all, certainly never meant our church be represented by male clerics only. This church must change or it will fade away into obscurity.”
- [Donna B. Doucette](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/donna-doucette/) - “Collaborative efforts focused on justice for women in the Church will build the critical mass needed to bring true reform.”
- [Gloria J. Slagle](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/gloria-slagle/) - "Our diocese in Alaska has over 38 'bush parishes' where many people have not had Eucharist in over six months or a year. There is no one to lead a communion service, preach, witness a wedding or preside at a burial. We could ordain women as deacons from each village."
- [Erlinda Perlado-Mertens](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/erlinda-perlado-mertens/) - "It is a gift of Christ to the Church to ordain women to the diaconate. It will increase the reach and depth of Christian ministry and also add to the efficacy of being ekklesia, the people of God, which includes men and women."
- [Russ Petrus](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/russ-petrus/) - “I have had the privilege of learning, praying and working with many faithful and gifted women who deeply understand their own call from God and their communities to minister as deacons. It is important for the whole Church to acknowledge that these women are in fact called to the diaconate and that ordaining them would strengthen the Body of Christ as we carry out the work of the gospel.”
- [Elizabeth A. Donnelly](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/elizabeth-a-donnelly-2/) - “Restoring women to the diaconate would enable many more Catholic communities around the world to be nourished by gifted women breaking open the Word.”
- [Deacon Greg Kandra](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/deacon-greg-kandra/) - “Pope Francis has invited the Church to explore the question of women deacons -- and I believe Discerning Deacons is an important, prayerful and faithful addition to this exploration. With humility, intelligence and fidelity, this group is seeking to discern God's will, wherever that may lead. I admire their spirit. I'm praying with them and for them, and hope more people will, too!”
- [My hope to be received as a servant-leader](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/my-hope-to-be-received-as-a-servant-leader/) - “After seven years of formation, the men were ordained, and I received a certificate.”
- [Most Rev. Emil A. Wcela](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/most-rev-emil-a-wcela/) - “This project is helping our Church to discern how the extensive ministry of women could be enriched and graced in a new way through their ordination as deacons. It would bring a new degree of official recognition to their indispensable role in the Church.”
- [A Doctor and a Deacon](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/a-doctor-and-a-deacon/) - My experience of vocation includes and goes beyond my work as a medical doctor.
- [Bridget Deegan-Krause, M.Div.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/bridget-deegan-krause-m-div/) - “I am a witness to the powerful ministry of women in Catholic health care and beyond. Let's support Pope Francis in this important discernment process. Ordaining women to the diaconate would dramatically enrich the sacramental ministry of the church.”
- [Fr. Warren Sazama, S.J.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-warren-sazama-s-j/) - “Our Church would be greatly enriched by inviting women into high-profile leadership positions. The lack of doing so does not express a welcoming attitude toward women in the Church.”
- [Elizabeth A. Donnelly](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/elizabeth-a-donnelly/) - “Restoring women to the diaconate would enable many more Catholic communities around the world to be nourished by gifted women breaking open the Word.”
- [Will Rutt](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/will-rutt/) - “Denying the vocation of the diaconate to women is a choice rooted in scarcity and fear that hurts the entire Church and robs each of us of gifts that women have to offer. I look forward to this pivotal step towards a more inclusive and empowered community that allows for the full human flourishing of each person.”
- [Anna Nussbaum Keating](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/anna-nussbaum-keating/) - “Our faith is sacramental. A strong permanent diaconate strengthens parishes and ensures access to the sacraments. Women should be trained as deacons without delay to ensure that no parish is underserved. We have prayed for an increase in vocations. God has answered our prayers.”
- [Fr. Jacek Orzechowski, O.F.M.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-jacek-orzechowski-o-f-m/) - “The project’s mission is important because it expresses our love and care for the Church and her mission in the world.”
- [Deborah Rose-Milavec](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/deborah-rose-milavec/) - “Around the world, there is no question that women are already ministering as deacons in the Catholic Church. Their rich gifts deserve both honor and the same sacramental grace as their brother deacons.”
- [God’s voice in the depths of me](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/gods-voice-in-the-depths-of-me/) - “I heard God’s voice in the depths of me saying serve like this.”
- [Nicole Perone](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/nicole-perone/) - “This intentional, discerning initiative is a great offering of love, fidelity and trust in the wisdom of the Spirit, which gives me hope. The Church finds itself in a moment of tremendous opportunity to provide prophetic witness to young people of the embracing of vocation and God-given gifts.”
- [Sr. Mary Pat Murphy, O.P.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/sr-mary-pat-murphy-o-p/) - “Women Deacons have had a significant role in the history of the Catholic. I support the current study of Women Deacons as we continue to live out the mission of the Second Vatican Council and the role of women in the Catholic Church.”
- [Fr. Gregory J. Boyle, S.J.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/fr-gregory-j-boyle-s-j/) - “This movement toward acknowledging the role of women in the Church is essential.”
- [Cecilia González-Andrieu, Ph.D.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/cecilia-gonzalez-andrieu-ph-d/) - “The restoration of women to diaconal ministry is a way for us to witness to the Holy Spirit at work in the world and to faithfully respond to the Spirit's promptings as a community.”
- [Deacon William T. Ditewig, Ph.D.](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/deacon-william-t-ditewig-ph-d-2/) - “For years, the Church has been researching and discerning the role of women in the diaconate. As soon as St. Paul VI renewed the diaconate in 1967, the question was raised by bishops, and those discussions have continued under every pope since. Pope Francis has intensified the process through two Papal Commissions. Discerning Deacons is supporting the Church’s discernment in a prayerful way, much like the early ‘deacon circles’ that led to the renewal of the diaconate at Vatican II.”
- [It is God who chooses and enables](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/it-is-god-who-chooses-and-enables/) - My two pillars in life are serving God and caring for the sick.
- [An apprentice to the ‘women deacons’ in the Brazilian Amazon](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/an-apprentice-to-the-women-deacons-in-the-brazilian-amazon/) - Evangelizing in the Amazon is a call and mission to be carried out with an open heart and soul.
- [Hope and a vision for women’s voices to be heard](https://discerningdeacons.org/witness/hope-and-a-vision-for-womens-voices-to-be-heard/) - I hope that people with power to open the door will move into a vision not yet seen.

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