“St. Phoebe is an inspiration to us on our journey together. She inspires us to work hard, to greet and welcome others, and to hold close to the Word of God. Because of her example, we can be active bearers of God’s love which we have experienced in our lives.”
“We are grateful and moved by this opportunity to uplift the witnesses of influential women in our lives and communities at this exciting, synodal time in the Church.”
“To be a woman and to speak about my experience of God during Mass meant so much to me and to many other women present. Discerning Deacons has given me hope for a Church that includes, honors, and celebrates women’s voices, leadership, and ministry. I feel honored to be a part of this community.”
“We raised so much awareness from our event, of both the ongoing Synod and of St. Phoebe and her ministry. Together, we learned of the power of the intercession of St. Phoebe, and how significant her feast day can be to carry the message of women’s roles in the Church.”
“The most meaningful parts of our celebration together included a standing ovation following the witness reflection, the power and strength of the reflection itself, and the procession at the start of mass. In the procession, young women carried in and presented symbols of St. Phoebe including an icon, the commission of St. Paul, a deacon’s stole and a pitcher of water to symbolize our shared baptism.”
“Preaching on the Feast of St. Phoebe, and supporting and training other women to preach, was a joyful and invigorating experience. It is beautiful to see women claim the truth that they are called and gifted, and equally beautiful to see the People of God’s receptivity to women’s preaching, ministry, and leadership.”
“As our Church continues its discernment, I would hope the question it considers is not, ‘Can we permit women deacons?’, but rather, ‘Are we absolutely certain we are justified in withholding the grace of the diaconate from women?’ I hope our Church is big enough to contain the possibility and dignity I see in my daughters, and in so many other women.”
“Yet, over the years as I’ve tried to find my place in the Church, the diaconate has remained my guiding light. I cannot imagine anything more exhilarating than embodying a bridge from the pulpit to the marginalized.”
“It was especially meaningful to hear a woman break open the scripture for our community. This is just the beginning of raising awareness on our campus of the witness and ministry of St. Phoebe, and the witness of women in our community. Together, we are just beginning our journey of rethinking women’s participation in the Church.”
“The energy following mass was palpable! We heard hopeful murmurs saying that this truly might be the time for change. We were encouraged in the reflection shared to collaborate with one another. Priests and laity, women and men all need to affirm and partner together so that, as the People of God we can discern the movement of the Spirit.”
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