Mothers Group Leaders

A Big Warm Thank You to our volunteer Mother’s Group Leaders!

some of our leaders …

Anna-Lisa Athaide

Rema Celio

Candice Pingol

Lynda Halyburton

Susan Monaco

Krystyna Zasowski

Lindsay McIntosh

Rita Perta

Jennifer Ambal Rosinski

Grace Pasquali

Bozena Zambrowicz

Shannon Rogers

Cathy Haynes

Jennifer Jane McGrath

Tina Russo

Margaret da Silva

Megan Meester

Christina Henderin

Daniela Dalla Via

Madalena Sperti

Cyndel Brooks

Jane Scamurra

Patricia Araujo, Catholic Mothers Group Leader

Patricia Araújo

Nelcy Lopez

April Smith

Brittany McFall

Pam Lafranca

Maureen Poland

Risa Kupczyk

Sara Aarnaes

Susanne Taras

Cathy Quartarone

Kayleigh Garcia Meneses

Christina Broccolo

Emilia Mueller

Tracie Manning

Alexandra Zyla

Anna-Lisa Athaide

Bio

Anna-Lisa Athaide has been a Mothers Group leader for 3 years.

Anna-Lisa has been married for 15 years and has 3 daughters, including one set of twins! She is a hospital pharmacist who also works at home for her husband’s medical practice.

Anna-Lisa loves drawing, painting, and reading. With her family, she goes on runs, hikes, and swims and enjoys playing board games and trying new foods. Most of all, she hopes to be an example of faithfulness to Jesus and get to heaven with her family!

Fun Facts

Anna-Lisa, a pharmacist, works with hemodialysis patients and has grown to have very in-depth professional relationships with her patients over many years.
Anna-Lisa is an introvert, even though she appears extroverted due to her lifestyle and work.
Anna-Lisa is a long-distance runner!

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Anna-Lisa feels that her role as a Mothers Group leader has brought her to a higher level in her own spiritual life. She loves being surrounded by a faithful community.

Her advice to new Mothers Group leaders is to trust Our Blessed Mother in moments of uncertainty and discouragement. She also encourages leaders not to doubt the small acts of influence you are having on the moms.

And for those mothers who are interested in starting a Mothers Group? Anna-Lisa says, “Just do it! The vulnerability of the tole takes courage, but the graces that come will be far more than you’d ever expect!”

Rema Celio

Bio

Rema Celio has been a Mothers Group leader for 5 years.

Rema is a professional editor who lives and works in Toronto. She has been married for 18 years and has two teen-aged boys.

Rema loves to read, cook, bake, and knit. With her family, she enjoys playing cards, watching movies, and going for walks.

Fun Facts

Rema describes herself as a strong collaborator and a good listener.
Rema’s current mission is to pray for priests.
Even though Rema is a MG leader, she is actually more introverted than people think and sometimes being in leadership freaks her out!

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Rema enjoys praying and interacting with the other women in her Mothers Group. She wants Mothers Group leaders to know that you are supported and can reach out whenever you need help or ideas.

Rema’s words of advice to new and potential Mothers Group leaders are to “ask questions, pray often, and do everything with joy.”

Candice Pingol

Bio

Candice Pingol has been the Mothers Group leader at St. Catherine of Siena’s parish for 1 year.

Candice has been married for 20 years and has 5 kids. She is a work-at-home mom with a professional background in Social Work. She currently runs an online business in Telecommunication and ID theft protection.

Candice enjoys sharing meals and doing outdoor activities with her family. She considers herself an intuitive person, and her personal hobbies include crafting, hot pilates, and cake decorating. Candice’s mission is to be of service to humanity. She’d like to bring Rachel’s Vineyard, a retreat center that supports post-abortive women through the grieving process, to Toronto. She’d also like to have a food truck that brings meals to the homeless.

Fun Facts

Candice studied and worked at a ski resort in Japan.
Candice did missionary work in Immokalee, Florida, picking tomatoes with the Mexican farm workers.
Candice has taken ballroom dancing lessons.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Candice’s favourite part about being a Mothers Group leader is creating a space for the mothers to come, be themselves, and share their lives. She loves that the group serves the mothers at all levels: spiritual, emotional, physical, and social.

Candice wants new Mothers Group leaders to know that you are capable and enough. “Our Blessed mother uses your “YES,” and she will do the rest.” Candice encourages prospective leaders with the assurance that you are not alone. There is a wealth of resources and support from Dorothy, the Mothers Group office, and other Mothers Group leaders.

Linda Haliburton

Bio

Lynda Halyburton has been a Mothers Group leader since 2018.

Lynda works part-time but still considers herself mostly a stay-at-home mom. She worked as an office manager for 20+ years with one company before she had kids. Lynda has been married for 13 years and has 2 boys.

Lynda enjoys movie nights with her kids, reading to her kids while cuddled up in bed, painting, and creating things.

Fun Facts

Lynda is the youngest in a family of 8!
Lynda’s personal hobbies are reading, travelling, gardening, photography, and watching old movies.
Lynda grew up in India and has travelled extensively. She also volunteered with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Lynda’s favourite thing about her Mothers Group is the friendships that are formed. She loves having the opportunity to be in touch with like-minded moms and cherishes “all the little things we learn from each other.”

Lynda’s advice to new Mothers Group leaders is to be consistent with meetings and not cancel last minute. Make sure to spread awareness through the bulletin and announcements at the back of the church. Lynda has noticed that having speakers and/ or activities can bring in more moms.

Mothers Group leaders should not be afraid to ask for help when needed! “Go with your heart and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you -- and It will! The fruits of this ministry really do fill a mother's heart.”

Susan Monaco

Bio

Susan Monaco has been a Mothers Group leader for over 5 years at Our Lady of Peace parish.

Susan worked for 25 years at a bank but stays at home now. Susan has been married for 45 years. She has 2 grown children and a granddaughter.

Although Susan’s children have grown up, her family still enjoys family gatherings and travelling. Susan loves taking care of her granddaughter, as well. Susan feels that it is her mission to console and encourage her family in their endeavours.

Fun Facts

Susan is involved in the community and runs her Fibro-Group in Mississauga that supports people, like herself, who are dealing with fibromyalgia.
Susan knits and crochets for others.
Susan loves to cook for her family.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Susan’s favourite thing about leading a Mothers Group is meeting new moms and their children, as well as educating and dialoguing about religion.

Susan’s advice to new leaders is to get creative in how they run their groups! Be open to helping moms deal with different things regarding religion and living their vocations in general. Prayers are important, and it’s good to have different activities to allow the moms to get involved.

Susan wants to encourage prospective leaders that they can lead by their example. Overall, moms want to be there for each other.

Krystyna Zasowski

Bio

Krystyna Zasowksi has been a Mothers Group leader for 5 years at All Saints parish.

Krystyna currently works as a medical office manager. She stayed home to raise her 8 children -- 2 sons and 6 daughters -- and now also has 3 granddaughters. Krystyna has been married for 34 years.

Krystyna’s family loves to go to their cottage. She loves family gatherings, especially spending time with her four granddaughters.

Fun Facts

Krystyna has been a volunteer board member with FertilityCare Toronto for 14 years.
Both of the My Big Fat Greek Wedding movies were filmed in Krystyna’s home!
Krystyna’s professional background is as a pharmacist.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Krystyna’s favourite thing about being a Mothers Group leader is meeting the mothers and learning from them.

Krystyna wants new and prospective leaders to be open to hearing about the experiences of other moms and to listen to the Holy Spirit, the voice of love. Besides this, there is a whole group of fantastic leaders who are more than willing to assist, advise, or just be there for you!

Lindsay McIntosh

Bio

Lindsay McIntosh has been a Mothers Group member for several years and just recently took on the position of leader.

Lindsay has been married for 9 years and has 3 kids. She is a stay-at-home mom with a professional background in theatre as a stage manager!

Lindsay loves crafting and playing with her kids. Her favourite family activities are campfires at the cottage, weekend breakfasts after Mass, and family movie nights.

Fun Facts

Lindsay likes everything about holidays: the food, the decorations, and family gatherings.
Lindsay has a box of her grandma’s recipes that she loves to try out.
Lindsay makes a meatloaf that even her 5-year-old will eat!

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Lindsay’s favourite thing about being part of the Mothers Group is sharing and discussing with like-minded women and seeing how others integrate faith into their families.

Lindsay wants new Mothers Group leaders to know this quote by Saint Mother Teresa, “Never worry about the numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you.” Lindsay sees the role as a MG leader as very rewarding because you get to help other mothers grow in their knowledge of the Catholic faith and view their role as a true vocation.

Rita Perta

Bio

Rita Perta has been a Mothers Group leader since 2018.

Rita was a full-time elementary school teacher by profession. When she had kids, she stayed at home until her youngest started Grade 1. She started teaching as a substitute and has continued ever since. Rita has been married for 33 years and has 3 sons and 2 daughters. She has one granddaughter and another on the way.

With her family, Rita enjoys Sunday dinners and get-togethers. Rita believes that family relationships are sacred and deserving of the work it takes to nurture them. Her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother are her greatest joys!

Fun Facts

Rita’s personal hobbies include cooking, gardening, reading, taking walks with her husband, and hosting parties.
Rita became a teacher because she loves to learn! She finds people inspirational.
Rita believes that it is most important for moms to prioritize their vocation at home. No parish ministry, no matter how noble, should compromise her presence at home!

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Rita loves several things about being a Mothers Group leader: quiet moments gathering resources, peace that prayer time creates, and the solid, nurturing friendships that inspire her and the other moms. She loves celebrating the gift of the mothering vocation! Rita wants a new leader to be authentic and allow the Holy Spirit to facilitate the meeting. Along with prayer and frequent reception of the sacraments, she believes a leader must enter the “school of Mary” and practise surrendering to the will of God. Rita thinks that creating a welcoming meeting space with light refreshments, as well as solid planning and promotion are important to running a successful group. A prospective leader should pray and reflect to make sure they can do their best!

Jennifer Ambal Rosinski

Bio

Jennifer Ambal Rosinski was a member of her parish Mother’s Group for two years before taking on the leadership role in the summer of 2019. Jennifer teaches a Grade 2 French Immersion class, full time. She has been married since 2005 and has a son and a daughter. Jennifer enjoys healthy eating and exercise. Jennifer and her family love to go for walks. Since her husband is also a teacher, they are both home in the summer. They love to go to Wonderland, as well as to her best friend’s family cottage.

Fun Facts

Jennifer’s brother-in-law, who is a Jesuit priest, was a concelebrant at her wedding Mass.
Jennifer lived in France after she graduated with a master’s degree in French Literature. She taught English at Université Paris-10, Nanterre.
Jennifer is the oldest of 23 grandchildren. She is very close with her cousins and communicates with them daily on WhatsApp.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Jennifer loves meeting other like-minded moms. She says that the kids of moms in her group have also become friends, and it’s wonderful that faith is a cornerstone in their families. Jennifer also loves having the support of other moms, especially those with older children.

Jennifer wants new leaders to know that there is so much support from Dorothy and Lynda, as well as other leaders. She knows that when she has a question, someone will come to her aid and pray for her!

To prospective leaders, Jennifer says, “Take the leap! This ministry is so fulfilling. At my first meeting, I was sick with a bladder and ear infection, and the moms rallied around and helped me. I don’t know how I got through the meeting, but the love and prayers that I felt that night were so powerful.”

Grace Pasquali

Bio

Grace Pasquali has been a Mothers Group leader at St. Mary Immaculate parish in Richmond Hill for 4 years.

Grace is a self-employed CGA and CPA. She has been married for 31 years and has a 23-year-old son. Grace loves playing games, going on walks, preparing meals and planning vacations with her family. Grace’s mission is to have a home filled with love and to see her family healthy and happy.

Fun Facts

Grace is perpetually positive and tries to always see things in a good way.
Grace enjoys gardening and going to the theatre.
Grace likes volunteering and hopes that her small deeds will make the world a better place.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Grace’s favourite thing about being a Mothers Group leader is that she has met amazing women whom she considers life-long friends!

Grace’s advice to new leaders is not to worry because the Holy Spirit will guide you. To those who are considering starting a Mothers Group, she says, “Just do it! You will not be disappointed. Mother Mary will be your inspiration for each meeting, and it will fill your soul.”

Bozena Zambrowicz

Bio

Bozena Zambrowicz is in her third year as the Mothers Group leader at St. Casimir’s parish. She also works at St. Casimir’s as the parish secretary.

Bozena has been married for 31 years and has 3 daughters. She enjoys walking the dog and having dinners with her family. She also likes to read and bake.

Fun Facts

Bozena’s professional background is in chemical technology!
One of Bozena’s favourite personal and family activities is skiing.
Bozena was a shy girl who was raised without a father, but she has come a long way, having grown into the mature woman, wife, mother, and beloved daughter of God she is today.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Bozena’s favourite part of being a Mothers Group leader is praying the rosary as a group and chatting with the other mothers.
Bozena’s wants new leaders to know that Jesus loves you and to spread that message to the moms in your group. Bozena encourages prospective Mothers Group leaders to trust Jesus and His Mother Mary.

Shannon Rogers

Bio

Shannon Rogers is a new Mothers Group leader at St. Leo the Great parish.

Shannon has been married for 15 years. She worked as an Office Manager and Inside Sales Customer Service Associate before having kids. Then, she was a stay-at-home mom for 13 years. Shannon has recently re-entered the workforce as a school Administrative Assistant. She sees this job as a gift: “I get to bring Jesus to work with me and bring His joy to those in Durham’s Catholic schools.”

Shannon has 3 children. She’s a Dance Mom, Hockey Mom, and Taekwando Mom. Her family drives all over Ontario for sports and loves to vacation at the cottage or beach. On her own, Shannon is an avid reader and enjoys experimenting with new recipes.

Fun Facts

Shannon used to play baseball and volleyball.
Shannon is the eldest of 6 children.
Shannon was on 2 planning teams for World Youth Day in Toronto.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Shannon is just learning her way around her leadership role, but so far she is thankful for being able to build a community with others, while learning from and growing with them. She wants new leaders to know that you are not alone, and there are so many women rooting for your success.

Shannon would encourage a mom who’s interested in starting a Mothers Group to pray, engage with other established parish women’s groups, and be patient. The group will take time to grow, and not every meeting is going to have big numbers. But touching hearts matters more than numbers.

Cathy Haynes

Bio

Cathy Haynes has been a Mothers Group leader for 10 years.

Cathy is the CEO of the Haynes household. By trade, she is a corporate computer trainer and instructor who has worked at the local community college. Cathy has been married for 20 years and has 5 children, ranging from 7 to 16 years old.

Cathy’s family goes on hikes, holds game nights, goes to amusement parks, and plays soccer in the backyard. They also love celebrating birthdays and holidays together.

Fun Facts

Cathy is a self-proclaimed efficiency expert and party-thrower extraordinaire!
Cathy’s hobbies include reading, puzzles, home renovations, and hiking.
Cathy has very eclectic music tastes, including Depeche Mode, Corey Hart, Oasis, John Denver, the Bee Gees, and a bit of Beethoven thrown in for good measure.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Cathy’s favourite thing about being a Mothers Group leader is bringing like-minded moms together to support and encourage each other and to remember that we're not alone on this parenting and faith journey. Cathy’s mission is to remind moms to embrace their vocation and that they are good enough: “God didn't make a mistake when he placed a particular child in their care.”

Cathy would like new and prospective leaders to remember that it’s not about numbers, “it’s about fruit.” She says that it’s not that hard to be a leader, and the blessings that come from it are immeasurable.

Jennifer Jane McGrath

Bio

Jennifer Jane McGrath has been a Mothers Group leader for over 2 years at Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish.

Jennifer works part-time from home. She has been married for 23 years and has 5 children. With her family, Jennifer enjoys going to the zoo, spending an afternoon at a farm, skiing, and baking. Her passion is to raise good Catholic children.

Fun Facts

Jennifer was a professional ballet dancer! She can also dance salsa and merengue.
Jennifer’s personal hobbies include cooking, baking, and running.
Jennifer’s first language is Spanish.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Jennifer’s favourite thing about being a Mothers Group leader is the chance to give Mothers time to discuss important issues, pray, and socialize with like-minded women -- all while enjoying treats, coffee, and tea.

Jennifer knows that new leaders might feel overwhelmed at the beginning, but by the grace of God, things always turn out to be great! She also wants new leaders not to be discouraged by the number of Moms that show up. People get busy, and it’s not a reflection on the Mothers Group. Jennifer says that it can be very helpful to have more than one leader to share the responsibility.

At the end of the day, starting a Mothers Group is a great opportunity to help and support Catholic mothers. Fellow leaders will be happy to offer a helping hand through any difficulties.

Tina Russo

Bio

Tina Russo has been the Mothers Group leader at St. Mary Immaculate parish in Richmond Hill for 4 years.

Tina works as a public health nurse. She has been married for 28 years and has 3 children. She loves skiing, eating, and gathering with her family. On her own, Tina enjoys cooking, participating in bootcamp, and reading.

Fun Facts

Tina works with students in schools on substance misuse prevention.
Tina visited the Holy Land with her pastor and fellow Mothers Group leaders in March of 2019!
Tina’s mission is to model goodness in her life.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Tina’s favourite thing about being a Mothers Group leader is sharing information about the faith with other like-minded women.

Tina would like new and prospective Mothers Group leaders to know that every woman who comes is looking for something different. Make the experience welcoming for all, so that the moms will come back. Give every mom some time to talk, and make sure to listen.

Margaret da Silva

Bio

Margaret da Silva has been a Mothers Group leader for 4 years.

Margaret works for the York Catholic School Board and is the administrator for her husband’s business. She has been married for 28 years and has 3 adult children, ages 26, 25, and 18.

Margaret enjoys travelling, board game nights, and movie nights with her family. Her current passion is to take time for herself and her husband, as they move forward into this new phase of having grown up children. Margaret hopes to be more present for people in need and help others as best as she can.

Fun Facts

Margaret’s professional background is in the banking industry, where she began as a teller and moved on to handling mortgages and loans.
Margaret considers herself an emotional person who “takes everything to heart.” Over the years, she has become more outspoken and learned to speak her mind.
Margaret enjoys reading and needle point stitching.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Margaret enjoys being a Mothers Group leader because she likes the planning aspect. She also loves seeing mothers come together to share their thoughts and learn new things about the Catholic faith.

Margaret thinks that a new Mothers Group leader needs to know what the moms in her particular group are expecting to get out of the time they spend there. She encourages new and prospective leaders not to be afraid to discuss anything, as long as you have the support of your pastor and Dorothy.

As she says, “The moms attending your meetings know that you are doing your best to keep them engaged, as well as to make it a learning experience.”

Megan Meester

Bio

Megan Meester works as a Registered Nurse at the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences in forensic psychiatry. When she is not being a healthcare hero, she is wife to her university sweetheart, Chris, and mother to Adrian and Sophia. Megan took part in the RCIA program at St. Gregory the Great Parish in Oshawa in 2015 and was baptized at the Easter Vigil in 2016. Her parish pastor invited her to start the Catholic Moms Group ministry at their parish just before the pandemic had started. Megan believes that Mothers Groups are imporant to gather together with fellow women who see their motherhood as a vocation. Although she and her gellow group members have not known each other long, they have found a safe and open space with each other.

Fun Facts

Megan’s favourite place to travel is Florida for Christmas.
Megan and her husband have been to Disneyworld in Florida twice (once with the kids).
Megan likes to decompress by getting out of the house and getting some alone time; watching TV is also great!

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

It is important to recognize you can’t do anything yourself, and you never have to. God is always leading the way if you let Him. It’s easy to get caught up in all the details but at the end of the day, we’re all mothers seeking a connection with fellow women of faith. And you don’t have to know everything to be a good leader, we, Mothers’ Group leaders, need to give ourselves grace and not put too mush pressure on ourselves.

Christina Henderin

Bio

Christina Henderin has been a Mothers Group leader for 3 years. She has been married for 6 years and has a 5-year-old boy.

Christina is a practicing lawyer in the municipal government sector. Beyond her important work, Christina enjoys being involved in her parish community as a MG leader and lector. She also loves taking as many family vacations as possible, even staycations! Christina’s family holds Friday Movie and Popcorn Night and bike rides together.

Overall, Christina has a passion for motivating and inspiring others to discover their gifts and talents and to live authentically with passion. Her mission is to live joyfully in the present moment, while serving her community.

Fun Facts

Christina hosts afternoon tea parties, as well as wine and cheese parties.
Christina is a former kickboxing fitness instructor.
Christina once choreographed and taught an 18-person cotillion waltz!

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Christina loves making new connections in her Mothers Group. She especially appreciates the opportunity to share and listen to testimonies, faith journeys, and struggles with the other moms.

Christina wants new leaders to know that, even though it’s important for your group to grow, it’s more important to create meaningful connections with each mom. And a personal invitation goes a long way.

For moms thinking about starting a Mothers Group, Christina says, “Say yes! Don’t be shy in asking for help.” She suggests that prospective leaders reach out to other MG leaders, their local priest, and other ministries for support.

Daniela Dalla Via

Bio

Daniela Dalla Via has been the Mothers Group leader at St. Jerome’s parish in Brampton for 5 years.
Daniela holds a Business Administration and Economics diploma from Sheridan College. She is currently a stay-at-home mom, and she enjoys spending her time with her retired husband. Daniela has been married for 38 years and has 3 adult boys, including a set of twins!

Daniela loves entertaining and travelling with her family. Her current mission is to make her family joyful and to reveal the love and mystery of Christ to the world.

Fun Facts

Daniela was born and raised in a small town near Venice. She speaks fluent Italian and loves everything Italian, especially religious Italian art and music. One of her favorite artists is Giacomo Bernini.
Daniela’s personal hobbies are gardening, crocheting, knitting, cooking, and travelling.
Daniela is an entrepreneur at heart and owned her own business before her children were born.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Daniela loves to meet and learn from other Catholic moms. She believes that being a Mothers Group leader means to serve others first. In fact, it’s really to “be a mother” to the moms attending the group.
Sometimes, moms are in most need of “sanity” in their lives. Daniela says not to worry if some moms only come once or twice to the group. It means you were there when they needed it. She says to try to talk 20% of the time and listen 80% of the time, as a leader.

Daniela’s words of encouragement to new leaders are to persevere, especially when the going gets tough, because it’s then that we grow in wisdom, humility and inner strength. Stay close to Our Blessed Mother and ask her to be a Mother to you. Work with your Pastor; he’s a source of knowledge and can network for your many needs.

Madalena Sperti

Bio

Madalena has been a mothers group member for over 10 years and has helped co-lead a group in Ajax, Ontario. She is now branching off and starting up her own Mothers Group!

Madalena is a retired teacher who is building her retirement home in Lakefield, Ontario where she is starting her group. She has been married for 29 years and has 3 adult boys, two of whom are twins. In her free time, she loves to kayak, cook and read.

Fun Facts

Madalena is taking courses to become a chef.
Madalena enjoys hosting in her new home.
Madalena was a French immersion teacher and loves languages, cultures, and traveling.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Madalena prayed to have a mothers group and received it in Ajax. Now she wants to provide for the next group of moms. Our faith will only grow if we support and nurture the next generation. She loves getting to know new moms and praying with them. She looks forward to serving her new community and encourages all mothers to become involved. You never know where the Holy Spirit will lead.

Cyndel Brooks

Bio

A Google search brought Cyndel Brooks to the Mothers’ Group ministry. Between her duties as a Registered Nurse, a mom of two little boys and a loving wife, Cyndel was seeking a Catholic community where she could share her faith journey with similar-minded women.

Cyndel grew up as an Evangelical Protestant. When she converted to the Catholic faith in 2016, she yearned for the tightknit community she experienced in the churches she attended growing up. The Mothers’ Group gave her that platform.

Her Mothers Group at St. Gregory the Great parish has only started in September. She hopes that together, she and her fellow members will be able to create a warm space where mothers can meet in fellowship, learn more about the faith, be on fire for the Lord and spread that grace to their families.

Fun Facts

Cyndel picked up knitting in 2019 and has loved it ever since.
She also loves to read.
Her favourite saint is St. Therese of Lisieux

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Of course, one’s faith should be centred on a personal relationship with Christ, but having that tangible sense of belonging to a community can help with living out the faith and being more practical with living out our faith on a daily bases. The Mothers’ Group is an opportunity to build a support system not just for its members but also for the parish. Do it all for Jesus and everything else will fall into place.

Jane Scamurra

Bio

Jane Scamurra likes to say that she never intended to be Catholic, but God did. It was a mantra that she now constantly carries throughout her life.

Before she converted, she often visited Merciful Redeemer Parish for the 8:30 a.m. Mass. She wantes to take communion but was told that she needed to be Catholic and was invites to join RCIA. At first, she hesitated but she took the leap of faith and began taking the catechism classes.

Not long after her RCIA course, she began to volunteer in that ministry and then began to organize other ministries, specifically for women. Now, as Lay Pastoral Associate, she is leading a new Mothers Group at her parish.

Fun Facts

Jane has been married for 39 years to Albert Scamurra. Together, they have two adult sons, Jonathan and David.
Her favourite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
She loves to paint in her limited spare time.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

I, myself, think that giving support and a listening ear and a friendly hug is what a lot of women need. And especially, for the young moms who struggle with the entire adjustment of only having themselves to care for, to now having the responsibility for another life. It can be overwhelming. The difference between a regular play group or other mom-and-tot social groups is that we offer and incorporate our own relationship with the Lord as the difference maker. Showing and illustrating the power of prayer and faith and patience and love, it is life changing. So, a moms’ group gets them off to a really good, grounded start on their journey through life!

Patricia Araújo

Bio

Patricia Araújo is the proud mom of three children – Sara, Thomas and James. She and her husband met at the beach in Portugal in August 2000 while he was on vacation. He decided to extend his vacation another week to spend time with her and the rest was history!

Patricia currently works as a freelance financial advisor which gives her the flexibility to be a present mother for her three little ducklings.

Patricia has always been an active member of her home parish. Before coming to Canada in 2007, she was a catechism teacher in Portugal for 10 years. When the first of her children started their catechism classes for First Communion and Confirmation, she decided to volunteer in the youth ministry.

When she realized that St. Anne’s Parish was missing a moms group, she decided to start one with her friend and partner-in-crime, Emilia Muller. Patricia said Emilia is the group’s saint guide. She has quite the knowledge about saints. While Patricia might be a more playful, joking presence in the group, Emilia balances the mood with her grounded sense of peace.

Fun Facts

Patricia’s favourite pass-time is scrolling through Facebook Marketplace for interesting finds.
Tetris and Tamagotchi were her favourite childhood games.
Patricia loves to fall asleep listening to praise and worship songs on YouTube.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

To be honest, I think if the desire to start a new group is in your heart, just do it! Don’t wait for the perfect time because chances are, it won’t come any time soon. Be persistent, and block all the noise from the outside forces. There always be people that won’t be happy with it. Just pray to the Blessed Mother to help you, guide you, send you wisdom, love and joy so you can share with others.

Nelcy Lopez

Bio

Nelcy is a homeschooling mom to her 3 beautiful gifts from heaven and married to her beloved husband David. After prayerful discernment, she put her career on hold to devote herself fully to her vocation of motherhood. She knows that all that she does comes from God alone, thus, loves going to Mass and Adoration.

Fun Facts

Nelcy has a background in legal academic research and met her husband while she was finishing her doctoral studies.
She has a Master's from Yale Law School!
This homeschooling mom also enjoys nature walks and reading aloud to her kids.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Do everything that is in your hands and humbly accept the results you are getting from your efforts. It is God's moms group, not mine.

April Smith

Bio

April is the new leader of the Mothers Group in North Pole, Alaska. She has run various versions of mom groups for nearly 20 years and feels so blessed by the Catholic Moms Group program which has finally led to a real spiritual movement in her parish.

April is a mom to 10 children from toddlers right up to adults. She recently left a successful real estate business to focus more time on things that directly impact her family. This led to her running for and being elected to the Board of Education for her school district. What a challenge THAT has been in these crazy times.

Hospitality is the Smith Family ministry, as they also administer the parish Social Committee, for nearly a decade now, at St. Nicholas. April loves making opportunities for social engagement in the parish that build up families and the whole community, every single month.

Fun Facts

April and her husband, Pete, met when they were just 15 years old. They were not Catholic and were married 5 years before they had their first baby. They had never planned on a large family, but the Holy Spirit got a hold on them.
April's hobbies are reading, politics, and hosting gatherings.
April is a debater at heart and enjoys religious apologetics and political debates, yes, all the things they say you shouldn’t talk about!

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

April's advice to Moms Group leaders is to not overthink or over-plan what to say. Go over your materials and have a good plan but let the Holy Spirit own the group and lead the conversation. If you don't complete every activity or get through every question prompt, it is FINE. It is important that the moms know you are trustworthy and reliable.

Allow God to work through you and not try to make the group about yourself. April always reminds the moms that the group is theirs and is constantly reaching out to see what the moms need and want to learn. And don’t forget to keep in contact with moms who drop away and check on them, it might save their spiritual (or actual) life. If you notice someone has been around in a while, send them a quick text or email so they know you, and the group, are thinking of them and praying for them.

Brittany McFall

Bio

Brittany lives in Vicksburg Mississippi with her husband, and they have been blessed with 3 beautiful children. She is the co-leader along with Kathleen, of a new mother’s group at St Paul Catholic Church.

Fun Facts

Brittany and her husband traveled around Europe for their honeymoon, beginning in Rome where Pope Francis blessed their marriage.
Brittany enjoys reading, cooking, baking, playing games with her family, and going on outdoor adventures.
Her goal in life is to let Jesus use her to get her family to heaven!

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Brittany is a brand-new leader, so she is looking forward to growing her local Catholic mother's community, enjoying the amazing fellowship of other Catholic mothers, and setting all mothers on fire for the Lord!

Pam Lafranca

Bio

Pam is very excited to be taking on a leadership role with our Ministry. She is very involved in her Parish already as the co-chair of the Children's Ministry, so the Mother’s Ministry seemed like a natural next step. She has been married for 24 years, has one adult daughter, and is retired, but always very busy!

Fun Facts

Pam loves to cook, bake, read, design, and spend time outdoors.
She loves hosting and being a part of any special celebrations with family and friends and cannot wait for the warm weather again.
Pam is so excited to be a Mothers Group leader as it combines two of her favourite things: meeting new people and helping others.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Pam wants to remind leaders to consistently reach out to the Holy Spirit and welcome him in their hearts as he will help guide them. Show everyone that joins you truly care as they will become your church family. And just be yourself and people will feel relaxed.

Maureen Poland

Bio

Maureen is one of the original MG Leaders, having run a group in Whitby for over 3 years before moving away, and is currently starting a new group at her new Parish. She is married to her high school sweetheart, and they have four incredible children. Maureen converted through the RCIA program after marrying her husband and loves the Catholic community she has found through the Dynamic Women of Faith conferences and Mothers Groups, it truly has been life changing for her!

Fun Facts

Maureen loves to write! She has written several children’s books and is nearly finished writing a novel. Hopefully one day these will all be published for everyone to enjoy!
She loves to cook and bake, especially now that her children are older and much more adventurous when it comes to trying new foods.
Maureen loves to craft, from painting to sewing and crocheting, she hopes to pass these skills on to her children one day.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Pray for the women in your community, especially those that don’t attend your meetings, and never stop inviting them. Keep doing announcements after Mass, and in the bulletin, always reminding the community about the group, and pray that the mothers at your Parish will decide to reach out to you. Pray for those that are exhausted, that are afraid that they aren’t Catholic enough and might not fit in, and for those that feel maybe they don’t need a group like this. Keep trying to reach them, keep praying for them, and never lose hope.

Risa Kupczyk

Bio

Risa is a stay-at-home mother of 3 children and has been married for 15 years. Before getting married and starting her own family she was a language arts and preschool teacher in the Philippines. She is very close to her extended family, and they meet every week over Zoom to pray. She credits Mama Mary for keeping her close to Jesus and has a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Fun Facts

Risa loves crafting, baking, and spending time with her kids, husband, and pet rabbit.
She grew up in the Middle East, so she’s always on the hunt for the perfect shawarma.
Her favorite books are To Kill a Mockingbird and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

If you feel called to be a leader, just do it! There are so many moms in the ministry who have been there too. They are ready to support and pray for you. I'm praying for you too! Ask lots of questions. Ask Mother Mary for her intercession, frequent the sacraments, and pray. As they say, He doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called. I recently started my group, and I am so looking forward to praying with other moms, getting to know them, and nurturing a Catholic community in our area!

Sara Aarnaes

St. Timothy Catholic Church, Laguna Niguel, California

Bio

Sara Aarnaes has been a Mother’s Group leader at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Laguna Niguel, California since September 2023.

Sara is a mother to three saints in the making, Bennet, Arabella, and Brodie, and is a stay-at-home mom. She strives to live out her vocation of motherhood by forming her children's character and conscience so they can grow to understand and love the gift of their Catholic faith. One activity that the family loves doing together is praying the rosary.

Sara loves meeting beautiful Catholic mothers who have a deep love for their vocation of motherhood and enjoys sharing the many Catholic parenting resources she has found with other mothers. Above all, she loves that this ministry gives mothers a place to be unapologetically Catholic and open about the joys and struggles they face in raising children in the faith while combating today’s secular culture.

Fun Facts

Sara is number 40 of 50 first cousins.
Sara traveled to three countries (Poland, Ireland, and Norway) while pregnant with her first born and stood on a glacier.
Sara was at the canonization of Saint Pope John Paul II.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Sara believes there is an incredible need for Catholic Mothers Groups around the world. She encourages mothers to not be afraid, to step out of their comfort zone, and trust that the Holy Spirit will help them. Sara started her group shortly after the birth of her third child. It’s not always easy but it is so worth it!

The best peace of wisdom Sara received from Dorothy is if you start to feel overwhelmed by the idea of leading a mothers group, you should avoid comparison, take a step back and remember— if at the end of the day you simply sit around a table with a cup of coffee and have an authentic conversation, that is the essence of a successful ministry. Don’t be afraid to start small and watch the Holy Spirit at work!

Susanne Taras

Sacred Heart Parish, Chippawa, Ontario

Bio

Susanne is a mom to six children, three boys and three girls. She wears many hats and with her husband, she is a greenhouse and building owner. Susanne is also an educator and a busy homemaker. Her favourite family activities include hiking and swimming

Susanne has been a mothers group leader for 10 years. From 2003 to 2009, she ran a moms and tots group in Mississauga at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish. Starting in 2020, she took the plunge and started a Catholic Moms Group at Sacred Heart Parish, in Chippawa, Ontario where she currently lives.

Fun Facts

Susanne loves to work-out, especially lifting weights.
Susanne has a green thumb and loves to garden.
Susanne enjoys sewing.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Susanne wants mothers to know that being a mom is the best calling you can ever have. It truly is a vocation! Her goal is to inspire the members of her group, and she does this by sharing information, reading books on the faith, and handing out books and reading materials that other mothers may benefit from.

Susanne’s advice to new leaders is to promote your meetings, establish a routine in how you prepare for your meeting and how you run your meeting, and be joyful in all you do.

Cathy Quartarone

St. Teresa Roman Catholic Church

Bio

Cathy is a stay-at-home mom of two boys and is currently expecting a baby girl. She started her journey as a Catholic Moms Group Leader a few months ago. Cathy loves to bake with her family. She also enjoys reading, spending time in nature, and liturgical living.

Fun Facts

Cathy is a revert to the faith after spending most of her childhood and teen years as a Protestant.
Cathy regularly attended a Slovak Byzantine Catholic Church with her family.
Cathy loves cooking, baking, embroidery, apologetics and learning about our faith.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Cathy loves being part of a ministry that supports mothers in their faith, especially with the challenges of modern daily life. She loves meeting people and forming lasting friendships.

Cathy wants new mother’s group leaders to know that God loves you so much! This ministry is a wonderful way to use the gifts God has given you to serve your sisters in Christ and to grow in holiness.

Cathy also wants new leaders to ask for help if they are feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. This ministry provides a lot of support. Don’t be afraid to browse the resources available on the membership portal and ask for help when you need to. There are many godly women within reach who want to support you and give you a hand! Saturate your life in prayer and let the Holy Spirit lead you.

Kayleigh Garcia Meneses

Holy Martyrs of Japan, Bradford

Bio

Kayleigh is a mother to four beautiful children – two girls and two boys. She teaches high school and has been a Catholic Moms Group Leader for a year. Kayleigh enjoys spending time with her family, cooking (making delicious food), watching a movie, or playing a board game.

Fun Facts

Kayleigh went scuba diving in The Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Kayleigh had vocal training with Ian Garret, who is Shania Twain’s vocal coach.
Kayleigh played tug-of-war with an elephant…and lost.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Kayleigh enjoys creating a beautiful setting for mothers. She loves fellowship, prayer, and growing in faith with other moms. Her advice to new mother’s group leaders is to know they are a valued gift to the ministry. Kayleigh wants leaders to remember that the Holy Spirit is ready to help them. Furthermore, if any leader needs some help or is having issues, feel free to reach out to other, more seasoned leaders. We are here for each other!

The best advice she has for all leaders – new and established – is if you are stuck or worried about something, spend some time in front of the Blessed Sacrament. It is truly amazing how much Jesus will bring to you. And remember to praise and thank Him for a great meeting!

Christina Broccolo

St. John the Baptist

Bio

Christina has been a Catholic Moms Group Leader since May 2022. She is married to a wonderful man with a big heart and a great smile! She is the mom of a very active toddler and is always on the go. A favourite family activity is visiting Pioneer Village and experiencing how families lived way back when.

Christina is a Third Key Holder at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, which helps families in need, as well as the homeless, or those just coming out of homelessness, in furnishing their first apartment.

Fun Facts

Christina loves to travel. She has been to Paris, London, Italy, Bahamas, Vancouver, Alberta, and many cities in the US.
Christina loves the mountains! She worked in Banff, Alberta as an assistant manager in charge of merchandising the Upper and Lower Gift Shop on Sulphur Mountain where they offer a scenic gondola ride. Her commute to work was up the gondola each day. She saw mountain sheep, goats, elk, moose, deer, bears, and even went on the Columbia Ice Field and drank from a glacier.
Christina loves to take photos and make scrapbooks. She uses online software to create printed photobooks, because these memories are precious, and she wants her daughter to see the beauty of life’s everyday experiences.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Family faith life is worth prioritizing, not only in my life but in the lives of those in my community. It takes a village to raise children, and having a great group of Catholic Moms to rely on helps so much. That is why I initiated this group with the help of the Hamilton Diocese. I recently moved to Guelph, from Brampton and Vaughan, in search of a slower pace of life I welcome new moms to the group all the time, and encourage moms to use their God-given talents, by volunteering in service to fellow moms.

Mother’s group leaders should remember the saying, “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” Just give Him your yes and He will take care of the rest…really! Ask for what you need during Eucharistic Adoration, and you will often receive more than that.

One important piece of wisdom I would like to pass on to new leaders in this ministry is to ask for help from friends and family, especially when you are getting started. That way, you won’t get overwhelmed. Be sure to join the Group Leaders Facebook page to see and share ideas—you are not alone in this ministry! Watch the Midday Moms YouTube videos that Dorothy Pilarski has put together. I have learned so much and recommend them to the moms in my Parish Catholic Moms Group too!

Emilia Mueller

St Anne’s Parish, Brampton ON

Bio

Emilia is the mother of two children. She is a receptionist at an orthodontist’s office. Emilia has been a Catholic Moms Group Leader since March 2020. Emilia enjoys spending time with her family. Especially playing board games, traveling, visiting, and discovering new places.

Fun Facts

Emilia loves animals and has had pet hamsters, bunnies, fish, and now cats.
Emilia used to write poetry in her teens. When English became her predominant language about 22 years ago, it made poetry writing difficult and she stopped, but she had lots of fun while writing.
Emilia was part of a wonderful church organization in Poland called Oaza (oasis) or Swiatlo-Zycie (light and life), founded by the Servant of God Fr. F. Blachnicki. The most fun she had was attending the summer camps, which were 15 days, representing the 15 mysteries of the Rosary (there were once 15 mysteries before the Mysteries of Light were added). Each day one mystery was celebrated—literally celebrated with a Christmas tree, caroling, etc.

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Emilia’s advice to mother’s group leaders is simple: Stay with it. Be there. Communicate. Ask yourself, “What would YOUR perfect Catholic Moms Group look like? What is it YOU are looking to find?” Be yourself. Be open. Talk and listen.

Tracie Manning

St. Aloysius Gonzaga (Leonardtown, MD, USA)

Bio

Tracie is a married mom with four children, two boys and two girls. She taught kindergarten for 10 years in rural Catholic schools under the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. She chose to stay home to raise her children when expecting her second baby. Tracie has been a Catholic Moms Group Leader since 2022.

Tracie enjoys traveling with her family. One of their favourite trips was to the beach, staying in a cabin at a camping resort. She especially enjoys going home to Oregon, where her family gets to spend time with their extended families. The family also enjoys day trips to Washington, DC to see the different Smithsonian Museums.

Fun Facts

Tracie grew up on a farm in Oregon. She never thought she would leave the area, but she did and has since lived in California, Washington state, and now Maryland, all with her husband.
Tracie enjoys baking and making desserts for family, friends, and group meetings.
Tracie and her husband Michael were married not by one but two priests. One is them is the cousin of her father-in-law and has since become the Bishop of the Diocese of Baker in Oregon

Advice to Mothers Group Leaders

Tracie’s advice to mother’s group leaders is simple: Stay with it. Be there. Communicate. Ask yourself, “What would YOUR perfect Catholic Moms Group look like? What is it YOU are looking to find?” Be yourself. Be open. Talk and listen.

Tracie really enjoys being part of something big. It makes her happy bringing moms together to learn about the Catholic faith, to forge new relationships with other women in faith, and with Our Blessed Mother. It really does make a difference connecting with women who want to raise their children in faith.

Her advice to new leaders is simple and practical: it’s okay to not know everything. It’s okay to not be perfect. There are experienced leaders out there who are happy to help you. Keep learning so you can become a better leader. This ministry is worth investing in so our children will continue to grow in their faith.

It is quality over quantity that matters. If you are using Catholic Moms Group materials and following the liturgical calendar to create amazing lessons on our Catholic faith, it’s okay if only two moms attend. If you believe in what you are sharing, moms will feel enriched. You set the tone. Believe in yourself because God believes in you already.

Alexandra Zyla

St Teresa’s (Etobicoke)

Bio

Alexandra is a Catholic wife and mother. Her husband is a Ukrainian Catholic. The couple have two young children and together, they have created a uniquely bi-ritual home for their kids. Alexandra is a resident physician in Anatomical Pathology with a special interest in Forensic Pathology. She has been a Catholic Moms Group Leader for just over a year.

Alexandra enjoys experiencing the simple pleasures in life with her young family. Going to the park, taking long walks, attending Mass, and discovering new neighbourhoods are just some activities that they enjoy.

Fun Facts

Alexandra’s favourite movies to watch were produced between the 1930s-50s.
Alexandra “formally” met her husband when she was a first-year medical student (he was in third year). Both their paths had crossed many times before, as they grew up in the same neighbourhood, attended the same parish, elementary school, and university.
Alexandra has very limited artistic talent, however, she does enjoy black and white photography.