In October Pope Francis will lead a synodal conversation based on the results of thousands of conversations among Catholics from around the world. One of the topics, among many, will be the role of women in ministry, specifically women and their inclusion in ordination to the diaconate.

St Phoebe, who carried Paul’s letter from Cenchreae, Greece to Rome, has emerged as the patron saint of Discerning Deacons, an organization studying and supporting the ordiantion of women to the diaconate. Today is her feast day.

According to Casey Stanton, co-director of Discerning Deacons, St Phoebe most likely went on a wearying and maybe even a risky journey, She was a bearer of the Word, and presumably shared it – even offered some further interpretation – with the community she was sent to in Rome. A community that was most likely on the outskirts of town, outside of the power centers – a place that would perhaps take courage to navigate and move through.

Congratulations to Los Angeles parishes and institutions who are celebrating St. Phoebe on Sunday, September 3rd or 10th with prayer, reflection, and conversation!

Find a celebration near you!

DOLORES MISSION (Boyle Heights) St Phoebe Day will be celebrated on Sept. 3, and women will offer reflections at all the liturgies.

ST. MONICA (Santa Monica) Five women from the parish will offer a scripturally based reflection of the Sunday readings on Sept. 10 at all weekend Masses.

AMERICAN MARTYRS (Manhattan Beach) For St. Phoebe Day, women will be offering a post-communion reflection on Sept. 3. There will a table with information on St Phoebe and Discerning Deacons after each Mass. The parish will also launch a book study of Just Church: Catholic social Teaching, Synodality, and Women by Phyllis Zagano for interested parishioners.

ST. BERNADETTE (Baldwin Hills) Following the 10 am Mass on Sept. 3, speaker Dr. Yolanda Brown, D.Min., will celebrate women in ministry, acknowledge women in the Bible, and provide insights into the global Synod's discussions on women's roles in the Church. Includes a wine and cheese reception.

OUr LADY of ASSUMPTION (Ventura) The parish will make St. Phoebe known by including a mini biography in the parish bulletin.

PADRE SERRA & ST. MARY MAGDALEN (Camarillo) On September 2 & 3, Padre Serra Parish will honor St. Phoebe through a post-communion announcement. Women from the parish will also be recognized for their service and ministry. Padre Serra is collaborating with St. Mary Magdalen Parish with a Catholics in Conversation series on the book Just Church: Catholic Social Teaching, Synodality, and Women, by Phyllis Zagano.

ST. JOHN FISHER (Palos Verdes) On September 3, women will offer a witness after the homily. There will be reference to St. Phoebe and prayer for the ongoing Synod on Communion, Participation and Mission.

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY LMU will dedicate the day to lifting up the voices and gifts of women leaders across the world. Mass at 10 am on Sept. 3 at Sacred Heart Chapel followed by coffee, donuts, and conversation with theologians Layla Karst and Cecilia Gonzalez-Andrieu in the Cave (community space under Sacred Heart Chapel.)

Mass at 8 pm at Sacred Heart Chapel. Information on all the Los Angeles celebrations will be included.

OFFICE od DIACONATE FORMATION On September 10 the Office of Diaconate Formation will incorporate the celebration of St. Phoebe into the regular formation session. During the Mass, a deacon will preach the homily and will invite a female member of the diaconate team to offer a brief reflection. There will be a presentation on the topic of synodality that include the discussion on women’s participation and leadership. #ReceiveHer #StPhoebe #StPhoebeDay #discerningdeacons