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.
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.
Get the St. Phoebe Day Toolkit!
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.
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.”

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.”

Saint Joseph’s 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.”
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.”
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!




