Joining Catholic communities globally, we honor St. Phoebe during September. In his letter to the Romans, St.  Paul introduces St. Phoebe as his representative and a "minister of the church at Cenchreae," urging the Roman church to "receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the holy ones" (Romans 16:1-3). Our September commemoration aligned with the upcoming General Assembly of the Synod in Rome in October, which will listen to and focus on many themes raised by the worldwide faithful, including women's contributions to and participation in the local and global Church. 

Inspired by St. Phoebe's legacy of faith, servant-leadership, and dedication to community, our St. Monica Catholic Community celebrated her September 9 & 10 during weekend Masses with Scriptural Reflections from five faith-filled women leaders in our parish—Sylvia Eberherr, Teresa Cordeiro, Jenny Haggard, Leigh-Ellen Louie, and Mugs Cahill—each of whom, like St. Phoebe, lives her life with great faith, a deep desire to serve, and dedication to the Body of Christ.

More resources for the celebration of St. Phoebe and in anticipation of the Global Synod:

• "Who Was St. Phoebe?"
• "5 Things Every Catholic Should Know on the Eve of the Global Synod"
• St. Phoebe Prayer Booklet
• Fr. Felix Just SJ on St. Phoebe’s Sainthood

To find out how you can take action in our community and around the world during this month of St. Phoebe, visit Discerning Deacons here.

And for more even St. Phoebe news and to subscribe to the Discerning Deacons Witness newsletter, visit Discerning Deacons here.

View St. Monica Catholic Community's reflections below!

Scripture Reflections

Sylvia Eberherr

Sylvia has been a St. Monica parishioner since the mid 90s, honored to serve in various Liturgical, Social Justice, and Adult Formation Ministries as well as Ministry Councils over the years. Currently, she volunteers as Bereavement, Eucharistic, and Hospitality Minister. She also serves as sacristan and is part of the newly-formed Navigator Ministry. The call to speak on St. Phoebe Day came from her Pastor.

Teresa Cordeiro

Teresa loves proclaiming the Word as a lector at St. Monica, as well as singing in the choir. A few difficult circumstances in her life taught her to rely completely on God and His merciful kindness. She learned that God doesn’t always answer our prayers directly. Looking back she realizes that He's answered my prayers in the way that’s ultimately for her own good. She now trusts that all the circumstances in her life have God’s hand guiding them.

Jenny Haggard

Jenny Haggard is a spiritual director and speaker who focuses on bringing people closer to the Lord through silent retreats, discernment, and spirituality. Currently, she is on the leadership committees of the Spirituality Center and First Five (a ministry for couples in their first five years of marriage), and she is a frequent presenter at YMA.

Leigh-Ellen Louie

St Monica has been Leigh-Ellen’s faith home for over 25 years. Her ministry of passion is RCIA because she can’t think of a better way to live our motto of “All are Welcome” than to journey with adults who are discerning to join our faith community! She has additionally supported efforts such as Thanksgiving Dinner Volunteer coordination and she tries to answer when the Holy Spirit - or Monsignor - calls!

Mugs Cahill

Mugs began her service at St. Monica as a volunteer in the Religious Education program, and, for the past 17 years, she’s been a daily and Sunday mass lector. In addition to assisting in the training, scheduling, and fellowship for the Lector Ministry, she is a member of the Parish Council. Mugs completed The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life (SEEL) program at St. Monica and the 12 Weeks in Manresa Spiritual Retreat through The Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Boston College. She is presently enrolled in Ignatian Spirituality at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.