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Witnesses
Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church
Roanoke, VA
August 7, 2024

Here at Our Lady of Nazareth parish in Roanoke, VA, we planned a St. Phoebe Day celebration as a part of our synodal journey and journey to accompany one another in our hopes for our Church. After participating in a few Zoom calls with Discerning Deacons, a member in our parish, Wendy Mellenthin, gathered women together to discuss St. Phoebe Day. We registered our parish, and received materials to prepare and plan. 

We held our parish’s 2023 St. Phoebe Day celebration over Labor Day weekend and celebrated and uplifted St. Phoebe during our parish’s four masses during that weekend. Our parish has a visiting deacon who preaches one weekend a month. He has been very supportive of exploring how women can use their own gifts to enhance the Church both in our parish and in the wider Church.  He introduced St. Phoebe during his homily and the prayer cards provided by Discerning Deacons quickly disappeared after the masses. A young woman from our parish, who dreams of a future for women in the Church, is an artist and also developed coloring book type pages about St. Phoebe for the children as part of our celebration.

Together, we are grateful to uplift St. Phoebe in our parish, and we will continue to uplift the witness of women in our own community and in our Church! 

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,

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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.