“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.””

“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.”

“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!”

“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.”