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Witnesses
St. Leo's Church
Tacoma, WA
August 7, 2024

Here at St. Leo’s Church in Tacoma, WA we celebrated St. Phoebe on September 2nd and 3rd 2023 with a simple yet deeply meaningful celebration together. Sr. Christine Still, OSF of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia preached for our community at our celebration. She reflected on the ministry and witness of St. Phoebe and related St. Phoebe’s story to the Sunday Mass readings during our celebration.

During our time together, we also recognized the many women who serve in a variety of ministries in our parish by having them stand and come forward for a blessing and acknowledgement following Communion. We gave all the women who were acknowledged St. Phoebe prayer cards from Discerning Deacons, and after Mass several girls from our community distributed St. Phoebe prayer cards to everyone else, as well. Together, here at St. Leo, we were blessed to uplift St. Phoebe in a way that not only celebrated St. Phoebe, but also celebrated the many wonderful gifts and ministries of women in our local parish community.

Witness
“A highlight for many present was the Scripture reflection offered by a female parishioner who specifically spoke about her experience as a minister in the Church. At St. William, communal leadership and ministry are a central part of our community’s identity and values.”
St. William Catholic Community
Louisville, KY
Witness
“I have always viewed my ministry through this lens – out of service for and to the people of God. My intention was and is never to center myself in my ministry as a lay leader, rather my focus was always on how I could better uplift others in our midst. The Holy Spirit has certainly been active in the communities where I have ministered.”
Sr. Janet M. Peterworth, OSU
Community Leader, Pastoral Caregiver, Writer, Louisville, KY
Witness
“The mission of Discerning Deacons is important because they are advocating for a larger role for women in the Church, which is hard to do. Discerning Deacons is unafraid to get their hands dirty to bring about a more inclusive Church for women.”
Devon James
College Campus Minister, Cincinnati, OH

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