The Phoebe Circle is a ministry formed about two years ago in collaboration with the ‘Discerning Deacons Project,’ whose role is advocating for the reinstatement of the women’s diaconate during the Pope’s call for a worldwide synod, including representation from the laity and clergy. Phoebe represents this effort because, as explained in a story on our website on ‘Women in the Church,’ “when Saint Paul wrote his Letter to the Romans, Phoebe, a saint in the Roman Martyrology, has become a symbol and patroness of the movement to prayerfully consider the ability of women to join the permanent diaconate within the Church. This designation seems apropos since she is the only named person, male or female, in the New Testament to be explicitly described as a ‘deacon.’” Gladys Whitehouse, the contact for the Phoebe Circle, says, “Presently, there are about 12 women who meet periodically to pray and discuss how women’s role in our parish community can be recognized and enhanced. We celebrate the feast of Phoebe around September 3rd by giving witness talks at all the Sunday Masses closest to her feast day.” They hope to provide an additional educational presentation as we approach Lent in 2025. “Our most recent (parish) five-year Strategic Plan,” adds Gladys, “includes several objectives related to women’s leadership roles in the church, which we hope to support.” She also points out, “Although the Pope did come out publicly to say that the Church would not ordain women, the Synod’s final document keeps this question open for future study.”
This effort supports the Catholic Social Teaching on the Human Dignity of all persons. “In the Gospels,” says Gladys, “Christ exemplifies the dignity of women in all aspects.” As mentioned above, Paul writes about Phoebe’s work as a deacon. In the Church’s history, for the first 11 centuries, there is documentation of women deacons in the church. When the diaconate was made available only as a step towards ordination in the priesthood, the inclusion of women was halted by the Church leadership. “Women at St. Francis,” according to Gladys, “are blessed here in many ways because women have been given leadership opportunities and are invited to participate in vital roles in liturgy and formation.” “Not all parishes do this,” she says.
Are you interested in getting involved? Gladys asks, “Please contact me at gladys.whitehouse@gmail.com, but also look into the Discerning Deacons website and sign up for their weekly email newsletter to learn more about our efforts.”