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Witnesses
Dominican University
River Forest, IL
August 7, 2024

St. Phoebe Day provided an opportunity for the three Dominican communities in Oak Park and River Forest, Illinois to come together to celebrate and do what Dominicans aim to do best: pursue Truth. About 40 members of Dominican University, Fenwick, and Trinity High Schools gathered to share a meal, listen to stories from three young women who feel called to leadership in the Church, have a synodal discussion, and celebrate the Eucharist at the university’s weekly 8pm Candlelight Mass. Students, staff, faculty, and community members were nourished and energized by fellowship, authentic conversation, and prayer. St. Phoebe Day created space for conversations rooted in truth: the truth of our individual experiences, our shared faith, and who and how we are called to be as Church.

Witness
“For many years, I had the privilege of leading Communion services in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In the beginning, I did this with great trepidation, but by the time my ministry ended, I was thoroughly convinced that the Holy Spirit can fill the hearts, souls and minds of faith-filled women every bit as much as those of men.”
Jacalyn Anderson
Parish Member and Lector, Winchester, WI
Witness
“I have been blessed with women who have shared their many gifts with me. They have broken open Scripture for the people of God with their own perspective and insight. They have shown ways of leading which empower and confirm the value of each individual person. They have offered perspectives and visions of the Spirit’s call to live God’s love for all.”
Don Highberger, SJ
University Campus Minister and Hospital Pastoral Minister, St. Louis, MO
Witness
“If I could be ordained a deacon, the people would hear the Good News preached with authority at the pulpit and in the world. For me personally, it would feel like the ability to serve in the manner in which God has put on my heart to serve. As a minister of the word, liturgy and charity, I would preach the word to inspire others to love God and their neighbor. I would continue to bring communion to the sick and imprisoned, but I would also free our priests by taking on some baptisms, weddings, and funeral services that are outside of the Mass. It would feel like the fullness of what I was meant to do.”
Theresa Shepherd-Lukasik
Director of Adult Faith Formation, St. Joseph Parish, Seattle, WA

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