3 minute read
Confraternity of Christian Mothers: Sharing The Faith And Offering Essential Support To One Another
Life can be very hard. Some of us might feel lonely, especially when we are going through a tough time. But one way to get through is to have a group of friends praying for you. A group that will share your walk through life — which can make all the difference.
The Confraternity of Christian Mothers, or CCM, exists to be a place for friendship among wives and mothers here at Holy Family Cathedral. Women are there to share in the burdens and joys of life.
Advertisement
“This group consists of Catholic wives and mothers, gathered around Christ, to pray with and for one another,” says Karen Barrett, who has been a CCM member for four years. “We are here to pray for our children, and to discuss problems and advise one another regarding the Christian rearing of our children.”
It’s often hard for parents, especially mothers, to take time for themselves. The CCM is a way for women to consistently have a place to be together and have time for fellowship and prayer.
Confraternity of Christian Mothers enrollment ceremony
“An invitation to join CCM was extended to me from a Catholic friend whose motherhood and spiritual life I greatly admire,” Karen says. “I realized, if this was one of the major tools in her toolbox, it was also something I wanted in mine! And, truly, I wanted to spend more time around more women like her.”
The group meets on the third Thursday of each month with Adoration at 5 p.m., Mass at 6 p.m., Confraternity prayers around 6:30 p.m., and a potluck meal to end the evening.
The group at Holy Family Cathedral is in the early stages, but the CCM organization dates back to the 1850s in Lille,France. In 1881, the first American Confraternity of Christian Mothers was formed at St. Augustine’s Church in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Karen loves that this group goes much deeper than a women’s book club or night out for dinner. It involves time with the Blessed Sacrament and Mass.
“You can see the trickle-down effect, as we receive grace from Him and take His peace forward into our relationships,” Karen says. “It makes for an evening of true restoration.”
All practicing Catholic women, married or widowed, with children or not, are invited to the CCM. Karen says it’s important to be surrounded by women with a similar belief system. There is so much information out there on the best ways to parent, but asking the advice of other Christian women is the most helpful in the long run.
“It’s a relief to have a glimpse into the core of traditional Christian motherhood, how it was practically lived, and how we can transpose these things into our own lives,” Karen says. As the famous adage says, “it takes a whole village to raise a child” — when it comes to CCM, Karen finds this to be so very true.
“Not only does your own soul need to be nourished by fellow Christian women who share your vocation, but it is the foundation of a community that your family can grow and thrive within,” Karen says.
The CCM is so important to Karen’s faith life. She’s met so many women who inspire her in her faith. She loves having the opportunity for her and her family to form friendships that are rooted in faith. She’s so thankful for all the people she’s met through the CCM. Karen invites all women of the Cathedral to get involved.
“We pray together, individually and then as a community, very specific prayers for our motherhood and our children, which will inevitably carry over into our private prayer lives,” Karen says. “We eat. We laugh. We share moments of our lives both painful and pleasant. We plan future events where our children could get together, or discuss books and devotions that are helpful for our vocation. It’s inspiring and uplifting — a sisterhood.”
