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.”
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 of thousands of people with St. Phoebe's good news.
Together we lead our faith communities to…
- Lift up St. Phoebe on or near the day she is commemorated, September 3
- Pray for the universal church during the Global Synod and its implementation as we discern about women’s participation
- Celebrate the voices and gifts of women leaders in our communities
- Offer our communities an opportunity to grow in understanding of and exercise their baptismal call to diakonia—bridge-building, humble service in liturgy, Word, and social action, especially with those on the margins
We gather virtually on September 3 and unleash Catholic communities to host local prayers and celebrations honoring St. Phoebe throughout the month of September.
Icon by Cheryl Liske
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"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...I am presently open to identifying and supporting women with the gifts to preach, teach and sanctify in the life of our faith communities. I am grateful for all the ways Discerning Deacons is encouraging this movement which I believe is of the Holy Spirit."
St. Phoebe Day Witnesses
Read reports from some of the parishes, high schools, universities, and other Catholic organizations who celebrated the Feast of St. Phoebe in September 2023 and 2024.
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.”
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.”
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!”
Where is St. Phoebe?
Explore our interactive map to see some of the places and communities where St. Phoebe has been celebrated in past years. Don't see your celebration on the map? Send an email to us at info@discerningdeacons.org letting us know about your celebration!
“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.”
St. Phoebe Day - Photos and Blog Posts
