Honoring Women’s Gifts to the Church September 22, 2024

Saturday & Sunday, September 21 & 22, All Masses

This weekend, The Basilica joins many other Catholic communities in the Twin Cities in honoring women’s gifts to the Church. One specific way we are doing this is by inviting women to reflect on the Gospel at Mass. We join Catholic congregations throughout the world in welcoming women to share from their experience during the month of September, in honor of St. Pheobe. Today, we invite (Sr. Janet Ryan or Janice Andersen) to break-open-the Word for us.

How will we receive her in the Lord? 

(Romans 16:1-3)
Saturday & Sunday, September 21 & 22, All Masses

During last year’s Basilica Listening Sessions, every small group asked the Basilica to engage with the issue of women’s participation in the Church. On the weekend of September 21 & 22, The Basilica will celebrate the feast of St. Phoebe with women offering Gospel reflections at the beginning of Mass. After Mass, look for the table in the back of Church to learn more about St. Phoebe, and how she is relevant to the Church today. In celebrating St. Phoebe in this way, we join other parishes in the Archdiocese and dozens more across the U.S. and overseas who are celebrating in the same way. 

As we move into October, Church leaders prepare to gather in Rome for the culminating meeting of the current Synod on Synodality. Among the themes considered will be how the Church might offer “fuller recognition to the charisms, vocation and role of women.” In celebrating as a faith community, we join in prayer for the Global Synod, deepen our devotion to this inspiring but little-known saint, and honor the gifts of women ministers and leaders in our local church community.