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.”
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
"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. 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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
Prayer to St. Phoebe
Prayer to St. Phoebe
By 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 ministry
to share the Good News with all creation.
May we proclaim your Reign,
in which all are kin,
welcomed with healing and hope.
May our Church lead and serve
in the spirit of Jesus,
who raised up those bowed down.
God of Vision,
light our way that all might shine.
St. Phoebe, pray for us.
Amen.
St. Phoebe Day - Photos and Blog Posts
