Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS)
Purpose
MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing) gathers mothers together to form a network of mutual, spiritual support. It is for mothers with wisdom to share; mothers who are searching for answers and meaning in their vocation of motherhood; mothers who find motherhood fulfilling, challenging, rewarding and/or frustrating. Single mothers, married mothers, new mothers, and experienced mothers all have found a safe place to share the common bond of motherhood.
"How much it meant to share the faith, the fear, the anticipation with a trusted friend."
The Visitation.
A MOMS group is formed each fall (Sept.-Nov.) and winter (Jan.-Mar.) and meets once per week for eight sessions (Monday evenings from 7:30-9:30pm). Each of these sessions is designed to provide opportunities for: Adult Learning, Experiential Learning, Holistic Spirituality, Prayer, Family Perspective, and Growth. Each session, we introduce mothers to opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, and we strive to increase communication skills and the use of prayer rituals in the home. The MOMS ministry is a parish-based peer ministry using the book MOMS: A Personal Journal. Specifically, each session begins and ends with a prayer ritual designed to enhance the Christian perspective on topics such as Self-Esteem, Stress, Everyday Spirituality, Personal Goal Setting, Values in Friendship, Discernment: Spiritual Gifts Inventory, and Celebration. After completing the MOMS program, mothers are encouraged to attend MOMS events throughout the year. We host special events, reconciliation masses, socials, family masses, and meaningful retreats.
General Information
Who should join?
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WOMEN who currently devote, or have devoted, time to the spiritual and physical upbringing of children;
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WOMEN who live with many stressful demands on their time and energy;
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WOMEN who need a place to receive personal and spiritual nurturing and support among peers.
What is the ministry about?
MOMS is an 8 week peer ministry in which you explore your own spirituality and share with other mothers the stresses, concerns and positive experiences that have influenced, or are influencing, your own spiritual growth. You will use a journal to record your thoughts and reflections on selected topics. The weekly sessions are based on your journaling and involve a facilitated discussion among all participants. Three volunteer facilitators, who are mothers in the parish, lead the sessions. Each group typically includes 10 to 12 participants. You will experience the support of other women as you discover the depth of your own spirituality. You must be able to commit to attending 8 weekly sessions.
When will the session begin?
Session will be held in the fall and winter/spring. We usually begin mid-September and end mid-November for our fall session. Our winter session starts late-January and ends mid-March. Check the church bulletin for dates and times.
Where will the sessions be held?
All sessions are held at Blessed Sacrament. The 8 week session costs $40.00 and includes one copy of the journal, M.O.M.S. - A Personal Journey, by Sr. Paula Hagen and Vickie Jennett.
Topics:
Weekly topics may include, and are not limited to the following:
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Self Esteem & Self Acceptance: What influences me at this time in my life? How do I learn to be in control of these influences?
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Stress, Worries and Anxiety: What are the sources of my stress and anxieties? How can I deal with them more productively?
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Everyday Spirituality: How do I define spirituality for myself? How do I develop and maintain a healthy relationship with God?
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Feelings: How can I find ways to express myself more constructively?
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Personal Growth: How can I improve my own spirituality? How do I find time for personal and spiritual reflection each day?
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Expressing Values in Friendships: What do I value in my relationships with friends? How can I strengthen those friendships?
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Celebration and New Beginnings:This session is a celebration of the friendships developed in the ministry as well as a celebration of each woman's new sense of spirituality and well-being.
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Forgiveness: What is the true meaning of forgiveness? What does it mean to accept and love the person(s) who may have hurt me? What are the steps to forgiving others and additionally - asking for forgiveness for myself?
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Marriage & Spirituality: What are rituals in my marriage that have a positive impact on the sacredness of our relationship and family life? What are the gifts I bring to my marriage? What are some things I can try to do to improve my marriage? Children and marriage - how do children change a marriage?
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Continuing the Journey: How will I continue my personal spiritual growth?
Contact information:
MOMS coordinator: Brooke Thomas, 202-674-0542/ or Jojo Spallone, 202-237-5787/
