Share
Witnesses
Church of the Good Shepherd/Immaculate Conception
Schertz and Marion, TX
March 26, 2024

At Church of the Good Shepherd/Immaculate Conception Parish in Schertz and Marion, TX, we honored the feast St. Phoebe on September 3, 2023, by distributing St. Phoebe prayer cards, and listening to an incredible homily from our pastor, Fr. Octavio Muguerza, that weaved together scripture with the story of St. Phoebe and the possibility of women’s ordination to the diaconate. He explained the witness of St. Phoebe and how many male saints had a female counterpart which complemented and strengthened their ministry. These saints together provide us an example of partnership and shared ministry that can help us rethink women’s participation today!  Together, we prayed for the Synod and our shared journey of discernment. There was also a presentation after Communion about more specifics regarding the synodal process and the discernment for the ordination of women to the diaconate. 

As a parish, we are exploring the potential of maintaining a “Phoebe ministry” as a permanent ministry in our parish to continue this prayer and conversation! Since our celebration, we have developed a mission statement for our parish’s new St. Phoebe Ministry and held a parish synodal listening session on October 5, 2023. 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.

Witness
“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.“
Julia D’Agostino, MDiv
Theology Student, ThM Candidate
Witness
“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.”
Kathy Herrington
Lector and Community Minister, Northbrook, IL
Witness
“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.”
Helena Ditko
Parish Council Member & Catechist, San Fernando Region, CA,

Receive Our Newsletter

This is the hub where we share relevant news, events and opportunities to participate in the work. 
*We will send the newsletter only once each week, and we will never share or sell your information.

Receive Our Newsletter

This is the hub where we share relevant news, events and opportunities to participate in the work. 
*We will send the newsletter only once each week, and we will never share or sell your information.