In the recently-aired TV interview, Pope Francis said that he is personally not open to women ordained deacons. However the topic has been raised in submissions from across the world and clearly named in the 2023 Synod Synthesis Report as a matter for further consideration and reflection. Now Pope Francis has set up a studyContinue reading “Still on the Synodal Path: Women’s Access to the Diaconate”
Category Archives: Events
Towards the Synod for a Synodal Church, October 2024
Elizabeth Young rsm, 12 July 2024 I read through the new Instrumentum Laboris of the Second Session of the Synod 2021-2024 with an uplifted heart. It was not so much because of what was said, but the language used and the framing of the Agenda. The image of the eschatological feast, from the Prophet Isaiah,Continue reading “Towards the Synod for a Synodal Church, October 2024”
Feast of St Phoebe Webinar 2024
Australian Catholics Exploring the Diaconate, supported by Catholic Religious Australia, invite you to the St Phoebe Webinar 2024 Where are St Phoebe’s successors today? Join Geraldine Doogue AO, Fr Frank Brennan SJ, Dr Sandie Cornish and members of Australian Catholics Exploring the Diaconate to reflect on synodality and access for women to the diaconate, andContinue reading “Feast of St Phoebe Webinar 2024”
ACED leads Discerning Deacons’ prayer
St Phoebe Prayer for a Synodal Church Hosted by Australia June 4th Prayer Service For the Discerning Deacons’ St. Phoebe June prayer, Australian Catholics Exploring the Diaconate invite you to join our prayers and reflections from down under. We have chosen the theme of ‘Prophets of Peace’, and want to explore how our faith leadershipContinue reading “ACED leads Discerning Deacons’ prayer”
ACED in the Media
Today, during the profound mystery that is Holy Week, I would like to share two items. The first is an article by Debra Vermeer in the Good Oil. She interviewed Dr Phyllis Zagano and myself about the possibility of women deacons arising from the Synod on Synodality. Since then, in exciting news, Pope Francis hasContinue reading “ACED in the Media”
Upcoming Event – Women Deacons: Why Not Now?
Catalyst for Renewal are hosting an event in which they have asked two members to speak from our Australian Catholics Exploring the Diaconate group. If you are living in, or visiting, the city of Sydney, please come along to Women Deacons: Why Not Now? on Wednesday the 13th of March, 7-8:30pm, to: The CryptSt Patrick’sContinue reading “Upcoming Event – Women Deacons: Why Not Now?”
On the Side of the Synod
Elizabeth Young, 26 October 2023 The much-anticipated Synod on Synodality has been taking place in Rome throughout this month of October. Although the discussions have been private to allow for freedom and confidence in the Spirit, much has been happening both within the Synod hall and without. One of the side events was a “SymposiumContinue reading “On the Side of the Synod”
Feasts of the Heart and Soul
If synodality is all about walking together, then that is a perfect description of our first retreat experience. On the weekend of the 1st – 3rd of September, we gathered interested women, deacons, their wives, Sisters and a priest to pray and discern together. We listened to each other’s stories of life, faith and ministry.Continue reading “Feasts of the Heart and Soul”
Celebrate St Phoebe’s Feast
This weekend is a very special one for our group, Australian Catholics Exploring the Diaconate, and you are invited to join with us! With many around the world, we celebrate the Feast of St Phoebe, Deacon of the church of Cenchreae and benefactor of St Paul (Romans 16:1). On her feast day, Sunday 3rd ofContinue reading “Celebrate St Phoebe’s Feast”
Retreat, Webinar and Public Lecture
There are some significant events coming up for those of us who are interested in the flourishing of the permanent diaconate in Australia, now and in the future. Firstly, we encourage you to register for our retreat for the Feast of St Phoebe. You may also know someone who you think would benefit; please shareContinue reading “Retreat, Webinar and Public Lecture”
Liturgy on the Margins 