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Witnesses
Holy Name of Jesus Parish
New Orleans, LA
June 17, 2024

To raise awareness of the ministry of St. Phoebe and encourage the discernment of women’s ordination to the diaconate, on September 3rd, 2023 we hosted a St. Phoebe celebration at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in New Orleans, LA. At the celebration, our Director of Pastoral Life gave a reflection following the Eucharist at all Sunday liturgies that day and also handed out prayer cards following each Mass. Prior to our celebration, we had three parish study circles available for parishioners to come and learn about uplifting women’s leadership and participation in the Church.

It was so encouraging to learn about the long history of women’s leadership in the early Church and to be inspired by their witness. So many women in our community were not familiar with this history. We are proud to stand on the shoulders of the many women who have ministered to the people of God throughout time! We are so grateful for the support we have on this journey from one another, from Discerning Deacons and from our local ordained ministers. We were so well received by our community; this is just the beginning of our journey together! We are proud to be a part of this movement.

Witness
“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. William Catholic Community
Louisville, KY
Witness
“I have always viewed my ministry through this lens – out of service for and to the people of God. My intention was and is never to center myself in my ministry as a lay leader, rather my focus was always on how I could better uplift others in our midst. The Holy Spirit has certainly been active in the communities where I have ministered.”
Sr. Janet M. Peterworth, OSU
Community Leader, Pastoral Caregiver, Writer, Louisville, KY
Witness
“The mission of Discerning Deacons is important because they are advocating for a larger role for women in the Church, which is hard to do. Discerning Deacons is unafraid to get their hands dirty to bring about a more inclusive Church for women.”
Devon James
College Campus Minister, Cincinnati, OH

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