Since my initial invitation for input, we
have been working on a number of
projects.
Here's what we have going at present:
- We are hosting a Marriage Enrichment Date Night at Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria, September 29th, so save the date!
- I am working with a woman in Washington to bring an after school Apologetics program to her parish.
- One of our members, April Adams, has an evening Scripture study for women at her home in Metamora, which she has been doing for quite some time.
- Ten young mothers from the Heart of Peoria churches meet at the Family Resource Center Tuesday mornings once a month for a Bible Study. Free babysitting is provided on site.
- A small group of young mothers meet at my home twice a month on Wednesday mornings, where I and two friends provide free babysitting.
Do you have a similar program in your parish?
I would like to encourage women whose children are grown to consider becoming involved in a similar program, where you would provide free babysitting while the young mothers can share their faith journey with women who are at the same stage of their life. It can be as simple as asking a mom you know if she and some of her friends would like to come to your house for a Bible Study, or just to share their faith and life experiences, while you and one or two of your friends provide free babysitting. For my small group, I asked the mom to invite her friends. I let them decide which day of the week, the time, and how often a month to meet within the parameters I gave them. I also had them choose the program or study they wanted, or they could just visit- whatever they wanted to do with that time. I asked two friends to help me with the babysitting. This way we get to visit, too! It would be such a gift to young mothers if you could do this in your parish. One mother wrote to me:
The moms thank me personally EVERY WEEK for doing this.
If you enjoy children, have the space and a few toys, I
believe the women of your parish would greatly appreciate
you opening your home to them, too! Or host it at a parish or
public facility- whatever is available and works for you!
Please let me know what is going on in your parish.
If you would like more information, or would like to join April's
group, you can send me an email directly by clicking HERE.
“I
will say that just by you opening your home to us twice a month has
been such a blessing to me and my faith journey. The
friendships I have
made with the other women and confidence in my
faith is because of a
seemingly simple act of you just opening your
home. You are making a
difference and will continue to make a
difference. “
and
“I
talked about your Wednesday mom group in the BIS instagram (in the
stories)
and so many women were blown away. Here is one of the many
messages I got
about it: That is so amazing! What a gift! Thank her
for me even though I can’t
personally experience her generosity. I
so appreciate knowing it is out there!
If you enjoy children, have the space and a few toys, I
believe the women of your parish would greatly appreciate
you opening your home to them, too! Or host it at a parish or
public facility- whatever is available and works for you!
Please let me know what is going on in your parish.
If you would like more information, or would like to join April's
group, you can send me an email directly by clicking HERE.
I look forward to hearing from you!
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Thank You, Bert, for letting everyone know about my study/prayer group. We meet every other Thursday evening to open our Bibles and get into Gods words by reading the Sunday's gospel and encouraging each other to live it out in our marriages, families, friendships, and communities. We end the evening with praying together and social time.
ReplyDeleteWe also have special nights where we meet to discuss issues that are a concern to us. Recently, we had a special event night where we had NFP instructor/teacher fertility practitioner met with us and talked how to achieve/avoid pregnancy and monitor fertility reproduction health. We were able to share our struggles, discuss the church teachings on family planning and our call as parents as well as discuss NFP effects on marriage.
As recent as today, we met at the grotto at St. Mary's of Lourdes and said the rosary together to honor Mary, and pray for special intentions.
I also do mentoring/praying with women individually and in small groups.
If you would be part please contact me at adamsfm1@mtco.com
If anyone would like to be part please contact me at adamsfm1@mtco.com