“In my 47-years of ministry, I was the only person some women told of their abortion, a person others asked for guidance about issues of fertility, marriage, children, family life, in-laws, etc. This trust being honored and uplifted by the Church through the inclusion of women in the diaconate would be profoundly significant. I would be proud to be a deacon to embrace both my own calling and to be a part of greater change.”
“Restoring women to the diaconate would provide an official witness to the diakonia (ministry of service) already taking place among women in the Church, just as it has done for men ministering in the Church.“
“As a college campus minister, diaconal ordination wouldn’t change how I encounter my students on the margins, but it would change how they encounter the Church through me. I wouldn’t be only Julia, their campus minister who tells them that God loves them unconditionally, but an official representative of a Church that loves them too.”
“Restoring the diaconate in my church, to include women, supports the hopes and desires of our whole community where I see a longing for both male and female deacons to serve. As soon as I had the opportunity to become an acolyte, I became one. If I had the opportunity to become a deacon, I similarly would rejoice at the opportunity!”
“If I were ordained a deacon, it would only be because I have accepted a call to a vocation that is equally accessible to women.“
“Being able to be educated on who St. Phoebe is and giving others the chance to meet her, being part of a community of women who promote an inclusive model of the church, and seeing my own community come alive and heal from division provides a vision of what can and will be possible one day in the Catholic Church.”
“I have witnessed these women become Catholic high school teachers, professors, writers, administer parish life and leaders of prayer services. Women have been my peers and supervisors, except in diaconal ministry. I continue to hold out hope that women’s gifts for ministry and service can and will be acknowledged by the church.”
“I am grateful as a pastor and a part of the BCCs here to learn and journey together with others. As a priest in our community, I am proud to be a part of this ministry to uplift women who are struggling. It is great joy and fulfillment. In my personal life, I have experienced the richness of acknowledging and uplifting the witness of women in the early Church and also in our Church today.”
“Following our celebration, members of the planning team answered questions from attendees and took photos with those who were supportive of our celebration or who heard about our celebration from our outreach prior. Our community is deeply grateful for the opportunity to not only celebrate St. Phoebe, but further for this opportunity to uplift women in our community and to continue to learn about and to pray for the ongoing Synod.”
“It is meaningful to reflect upon my journey and the many ‘Phoebes’ who have accompanied me on my journey into the Church, my journey as a lay Franciscan, my journey in synodality and uplifting women in the Church. I dream of a Church that can be a moving force in serving all people and helping each person recognize and use the gifts given by the Holy Spirit. ‘Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ can only be accomplished if the gifts of ALL people, regardless of gender, age, race and ethnicity, are included and welcomed.”
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.
