Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS): Faith-Based Support for Local Moms

Our Community feature by Sarah Albanese

Photo by Pano K Photography, Instagram: @DoYouShoot

The role of mothers is often underappreciated or overlooked in our busy society. This year in particular finds many mothers burned out from the stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mothers are feeling lonely, isolated and just plain exhausted. Social connection is an integral part of being human, and for many women, their usual social outlets have been put on hold indefinitely.

As a mother of five young children, I was in desperate need of social connection when I moved to the Marple/Broomall area five years ago. I came from Buffalo, NY, where a local moms’ group at my church helped me through my first four pregnancies, postpartum depression and periods of intense loneliness. I made lifelong friends through that moms’ group, and I grieved when I had to leave the area. When I moved here, my family became parishioners at St. Pius X in Broomall, and I immediately felt called to start a moms’ group in the parish. Four years later, the Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS) is still going strong.

Prior to COVID-19, mothers of all ages and stages from all over Delaware County met monthly in St. Pius X parish hall, where free babysitting was provided. We hosted local speakers on a variety of topics including prayer, fitness, art and education. We also offered a monthly book club that included evening discussions and socials. A few times a year, we hosted a larger event or social gathering.

The Albanese Family: Sarah and her husband Jay with their children Jacob (13), Raphael (11), Theo (9), Sam (6) and Lillian (2)

When the pandemic hit, I made sure that we stayed connected to each other through email and other social media sites. Many moms told me that not only were they dealing with loneliness and isolation, but so were their children. Some women struggled to juggle schooling their children from home while maintaining a full-time career. Anxiety was high as many felt the direct impact of COVID-19 in their families and social circles.

Initially, our group stayed connected by making care packages for homebound parishioners and individuals who were hit the hardest by COVID-19. We made sure we supported moms who had babies during this difficult time as well as mothers dealing with medical issues and loss of work. By hosting Bible studies on Zoom and sending out monthly emails with words of encouragement, we did our best to stay connected while navigating through uncharted waters.

Although we have yet to meet in person this year, we hope to soon gather at playgrounds or parks where we can safely socially distance. Reconnecting with old and new friends will be much anticipated after such a long year!

Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and Mother’s Day is just around the corner. This year, let’s encourage and support all the mothers in our lives through simple gestures like a handwritten note, music, food, art, flowers or time. In fact, why don’t we pick up the phone today just to tell our moms that we love them! I love you, Mom!

Since the inception of MOMS, other area Catholic churches have started similar groups that are open to Catholic and non-Catholic mothers of all ages. Anyone looking to get support and encouragement through the journey of motherhood can visit www.PhillyEvang.org/moms. There are also plenty of ways to connect with other moms online including MeetUp.com, which helps its members meet people, make friends and find support. A quick Facebook search can also help you find local mom or parenting groups like Main Line Parent Community, Delaware County PA Moms Group, and Marple Moms Meet, to name a few.

Having a support system is so important and once you find your group, you’ll be surprised at how much support you did not know you were missing!

Publisher’s Note: Sarah Albanese is the mother of five children ages 3 to 13. We greatly appreciate her sharing with us how much the MOMS support group has helped her. Thank you, Sarah, and all mothers, for helping us recall the importance of honoring motherhood all month, all year, all the time. For more info about area Catholic moms’ groups, you can email her at Sarah.Albanese@gmail.com.