“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.”
“[W]e organized an event for individuals from the parish and surrounding parishes to prayerfully reflect upon and learn about the witness of St. Phoebe and the role of women in the Church on the feast of St. Phoebe…The joy, hope and energy from this event was palpable…At least 12 area parishes were represented. This event raised so much awareness of St. Phoebe, and many shared their own experiences and witnesses with courage.”
“Some parishioners expressed their deep hope that, although the uplifting of women in the Church has often been absent in their own lives, that this can be different for coming generations. As a community, we are committed to continuing this conversation, praying for the ongoing Synod and continuing to uplift the voices of women ministering in the Church in both seen and unseen ways!”
“Together, increasing our devotion to St. Phoebe, we created something that was empowering, mystical, connective and embodied. We experienced what it can feel like to walk and pray together on a synodal journey. We are powerful together! There is such a thirst for this conversation and for this type of embodied prayer and communal witness.”
“[I hope the Church ordains women to the diaconate] to bring a wider witness and expression of God’s life, love, and presence to the people of God. Women’s voices and leadership will heal, encourage and empower the lives of men, women, and children. It will call forth a new understanding of church vocation and enrich Catholic family life.”
“The first Apostle was a woman, Mary Magdalena. She continues to remain a tower of strength for women in ministry today. If more women were ordained to the diaconate in the Roman Catholic Church, I believe we would have more meaningful and spiritually enriching homilies, and our liturgies would embrace and welcome all to the Eucharistic table.”
“If I was ordained as a deacon, it would not be a means to an end, but rather it would be a continual invitation to a deeper and broader journey with Christ. Deacons are asked to become outwardly more visible as hands in service to the Church. To respond to such a vocation would be a treasure, a deepening of my inner faith life enriched by the outward experiences of ministry and service. Both the inner and outer journey become a longing to seek and know the Christ we are called to serve.”
“Fifty percent of the Church’s voices go unheard from the pulpit. This frustrates the work of the Holy Spirit. The Church is under-served because of it.”
“As women we continue to open possibilities to share our gifts in this church we love. We draw upon the witness of women church leaders who followed Christ – from Mary Magdalene and the early deaconesses to the present day.”
“I’m not sure I’m really called to be a deacon, but even the chance to have a platform in front of a parish during mass would be a revelation for folks, especially people who experience gender discrimination. The Church would start to live out a truer version of universality.”
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