Saint Phoebe’s Footsteps Supporting Catholic Women in Leadership
Purpose – Working within the Church, we provide activities and educational opportunities to support Catholic women in leadership and to continue to develop women's leadership skills for the Church.
Our Goals -
1. Promote a climate of respect and dignity for all women in our parish.
2. Provide education to build women's leadership skills for the Church and for those who support them.
3. As requested by parishioners, support increased leadership roles for women at The Basilica.
4. Sponsor restorative justice and healing sessions for women.
5. Promote increased awareness and understanding of women's leadership in the Bible.
6. Support the work of Discerning Deacons re: women's faith leadership in the Church.
7. Broaden communications among women and other ministries within The Basilica.
8. Welcome all.
The Synod on Synodality aims to encourage women's participation in the Catholic Church. The synod's purpose is to address the church's "communion, participation, and mission."
Honoring St. Phoebe
We ask our patron, St. Phoebe to guide the work of our ministry. St. Phoebe was sent to Rome by St. Paul to deliver his Letter to the Romans. St. Paul referred to her as ‘deacon
of the church’ but also as guardian, protectress, benefactor and patroness.
How will we receive her in the Lord?
“I comment to you Phoebe our sister, who is a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the holy ones, and help
her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a benefactor to many and to me as well.” (Romans 16:1-3)
I commend her to you…
By calling her sister, deacon and benefactor, Paul signals that Phoebe is his co-worker in the kingdom.
Receive her in the lord, in a manner worthy of the holy ones.
Paul asks the Roman community to receive Phoebe with hospitality.
Help her in whatever she may ask of you…
How was the Holy Spirit nudging Christians to receive Paul’s message through Phoebe’s explanations and commentary about his letter?
As we celebrate her witness, we will also pray for her intercession in embracing the call of the Church today. The Synod on Synodality’s final document (paragraph 60) reminds us: “There is no reason or impediment that should prevent women from carrying out leadership roles in the Church: what comes from the Holy Spirit cannot be stopped. Additionally, the question of women’s access to diaconal ministry remains open. This discernment needs to continue.”
Questions? Please Contact:
Janice Andersen
Director of Christian Life
Janice Andersen has been on staff at The Basilica of Saint Mary since 1994, working with programs…
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