Campus Ministry

By Kelly Adamson

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord, as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.” (Romans 16:1-2) 

With these words, St. Paul introduces us to St. Phoebe, whom he entrusted to deliver, read, and interpret his letter to the Romans. This September we celebrate St. Phoebe and pray for her intercession for the upcoming gathering of the Synod of Bishops in Rome as they discern how the Holy Spirit is inviting the church to grow. Included in their discernment is, “How can the Church of our time better fulfill its mission through greater recognition and promotion of the baptismal dignity of women?” (IL B.2.3) This includes women’s leadership and ministry in the church and the question of the inclusion of women as ordained deacons. 

As we pray with the Church, there will be an icon of St. Phoebe and prayer cards in each campus chapel and vespers in celebration of St. Phoebe on Wednesday, September 13.

Campus Ministry plans to start a small faith sharing group exploring St Phoebe and women’s participation and leadership in the church.