Catholic Moms Group Leader’s Summit – A Grace-Filled Day!
What makes a gathering of 33 Catholic Mothers Group Leaders special? Is it the food? No. Is it the weather? No. Is it just getting out of the house for a day? No. What makes a gathering like this so very special is the energy and joy that the women bring. Think of the camaraderie that faith-filled women can foster — now imagine a room full of Catholic moms who are filled with the Holy Spirit and exuding the desire to make a difference in the lives of moms in their parish communities! The energy in the room was dynamic, electric, full of God’s grace.
COMMUNITY & CONNECTION
Now imagine the exchange of concrete ideas, practical tools resources and add to that loads of support from both the ministry and a community of leaders, all dedicated to a mission of reviving the vocation of motherhood. And of course, helping you start a Catholic Moms Group and helping it grow!
Early this fall, such a gathering of faith-filled and joyful women took place at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga. Yes, we laughed, we hugged, we prayed, and we shared our experiences running a Catholic Moms Group; but we were there to learn and we learned a ton! You see, there are a set of multidisciplinary practices that make your roadmap to running a successful Catholic Moms Group, much easier once you’ve been taught.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY PRACTICES
It was an incredible day of connecting and living out the encounter of Mary and Elizabeth, (Luke 1: 39-15) where Mary arose and went with haste to her cousin Elizabeth. In that encounter they shared fully the meaning of our faith—we must arise, get up from our sleep, wake up and see the world around us, and do what must be done.
We know that running a Catholic Moms Group isn’t always easy. Yes, it takes hard work, persistence and more importantly than that – it takes a vision, a framework, tools, curriculum and resources.
Where do you want your Catholic Moms Group to go? How do you want to impact the lives of women in your parish community?
Where can you learn to DO THAT? In a community of ministry leaders that have done it before! Let us be your guide.
GROWING IN FAITH
As mothers, we are called to pass on our faith to our children. As Catholic Moms Group Leaders, we are called to help minister to mothers so that they can do the same. The Catholic Moms Group Leader Summit (Mother’s Group Leaders Planning Meeting) was our learning and sharing pinnacle. Anne Hales gave a beautiful reflection on Our Blessed Mother and how she can work on our lives to help us grow closer to Jesus and minister to others. Dorothy Pilarski, Founder of Catholic Moms group provided us with an update on what is new in the ministry.
NEW RESCOURCES, TOOLS & CURRICULUM
That’s the thing, belonging to our network (CatholicMomsGroup.com) takes much of the work out of running a Catholic Moms Group. Something new is always being developed. And do you know what? The resources, tools and curriculum are beautifully, professionally presented. All of them theologically sound. The new and upcoming projects on the go are just beautiful. I wish you could see them!
Dorothy has a true mother’s heart and everything she touches reflects the love she pours out for all of us. “Mothering the mothers” is her motto and for this we are so very thankful!
MOTHERING OUR MOTHERS
Christina Broccollo gave a jam-packed presentation on “The 5 Tips to Level UP Your Catholic Moms Group.” Honestly, it had way more than 5 Tips! Everyone’s head was left bursting with very practical strategies to help their mothers groups grow that could be implemented the very next day.
Another solid training session was given by Nelcy Lopez, who walked us through “How to Use the 52 Week Study Guide.” Belonging to our membership community gives us access to well over 52 meetup plans that will appeal to different types of moms that come to your Catholic Moms Group. Need curriculum for Moms & Tots groups No problem, we’ve got you covered. Just love the accompanying training and coaching. It was amazing to witness Nelcy’s ability to explain the nine components of each meeting plan in our 52 Week Study Guide. She really captured the imagination of the Catholic Moms Group Leaders helping them see how the CCC, scripture passages, icebreakers and specific saints relate to the story in each meetup. The 52 Week Study Guide is such an amazing tool. It takes the work out of planning a moms meetup. It’s all done for you! Besides that, it makes your meetings shine!
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Each of us as Catholic Moms Group Leaders are different. We all bring something different to the table. If you want to tap into your strengths, then knowing your personality style may help. Ann Cameron worked with us to determine just that. “What’s Your Style? Personality Assessment” was Ann’s presentation. We did personality assessments, and she explained the different types. This could be its own retreat, as the information is important and detailed. To be an effective leader, you must know YOU. Assessments like this help us to know who we are and where our strengths lie so we can give our best selves to others.
I presented “Secrets to Success” on how having a speaker can be a game-changer for your meetings. I have had many speakers come to St. Benedict to present on various topics throughout the years. The Speakers Bureau at catholicmomsgroup.com is full of speakers and their bios. Leaders – check it out! I am fortunate to have eight years of experience as a leader, and now going into my ninth year with two very capable co-leaders – Bernadette Aman and Rita Mastrogiovanni, we are all so excited and poised for what this year will bring.
GOING THE DISTANCE
There were moms who travelled a long distance to get to this retreat. Some came from Coburg, some from near Niagara, and one flew in from Maryland! Tracie Manning has now come up to the Toronto area twice in one year – once for the Dynamic Women of Faith Conference and then again for the September meeting. We love seeing Tracie and spending time sharing ideas with her.
Catholic Moms Group Leaders have so many gifts and come from a variety of places and backgrounds. The success of this planning meeting comes from sharing and connecting with each other and our faith. Can you imagine if we could have mother’s groups in all parishes? We would light the world on fire. If you ever feel that you need some support or if you need to bounce ideas off someone, your Catholic Moms Group leader network can help you do that. This is how we learn, and this is how we share in God’s love. Everything with His Grace.
We encourage you to join us (if you’re not already) in starting a Catholic Moms Group at your parish!
Rema Celio an award-winning professional editor. She has worked in educational publishing for over 20 years, for both Pearson Education Canada, and recently at the Insurance Institute of Canada. Rema is active in her parish of St. Benedict where she sings in the choir and leads the Catholic Moms Group. She is happily married and the mother of two teen-aged boys. Rema loves to read, cook and bake with her husband, and knit. With her family, she enjoys playing cards, watching movies, and going for walks. Rema recently graduated with her certificate in Theological Studies from St. Augustine's Seminary/UofT.
