“Together, we are grateful that the ministry and example of St. Phoebe enlivens our community to participate in exploring the unique gifts of women in our faith community. Here at Cranaleith, we feel strongly about creating space for all those seeking wholeness and transformation for themselves, their communities and society. This retreat was an opportunity for us to do just that.”
“The icon of St. Phoebe is still present in our Chapel today, where we are able to remember her witness and ask her to intercede on our behalf.”
“Together, we experienced the parrhesia that Pope Francis invites us to; there was openness, honesty and transparency that was courageously present in our dialogue. We were truly able to embody synodality in action where all were able to share their feelings and experiences.”
“For St. Phoebe Day in 2023, that Mass had a strong focus on women’s role in the Church, particularly given that the celebration coincided with Labor Day which provided even more reason to focus on the amazing work that women do for our Church.”
“I know God is using my skills and talents right now to get us, at some point, into the Promised Land ––when our Church fully acknowledges and embraces the gifts and leadership vocations of women around the world.”
“There was a wonderful energy emanating from uplifting girls and women throughout the liturgy- altar servers, lectors, cantors, Eucharistic ministers and lay leaders of prayer. There was a spirit of hope in what could be possible for the future of our Church!”
“I thought of the Phoebes in my life: my grandmother Isabel, my religion teachers- lay and nuns; my mentors in youth groups, my role models in young adult ministries; the mothers of the Church in my Germantown, Philadelphia parish; my own mother, and then I even dared to look at myself.”
“This was such a great learning experience for all of us, and even more so, a chance to build momentum and connection.”
“We are proud to stand on the shoulders of the many women who have ministered to the people of God throughout time!”
“Learning about the history of women in the diaconate gave context to efforts to enable women’s participation in the diaconate today, and it was powerful to celebrate St. Phoebe and uplift the ministry of women in our own community.”
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