The Mom’s Group: Supporting the Vocation of Motherhood

Motherhood is truly both a blessing and a vocation. However, it can also be a lonely journey. That’s why, here at St. Philip Neri, we have a Mom’s Group that provides a space for mothers to grow in faith and fellowship.

The Mom’s Group gathers at 10 a.m. throughout the school year on the second and fourth Mondays of each month to study the Bible or a book. Another women’s group watches the children if moms need help. On the “off” Mondays, some group members gather at a home for a play date and Rosary — the kids play and the moms pray.

“Sometimes a child will start to cry or need something,” says group member Teresa Hill. “Their mom goes to help and the rest of us carry on praying.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has taken a break from gathering. Before the pandemic, there had been a group of about 10 to 12 women meeting on a consistent basis. Teresa looks forward to when they can gather again, as the Mom’s Group has been a real source of fellowship and friendship.

“The group was formed because a group of moms realized that moms need fellowship with other moms, with time to pray, a place to encourage one another and make friendships,” Teresa says.

In the past, the group has studied the Gospel of Luke, Resisting Happiness by Matthew Kelly, and Kingdom of Happiness: Living the Beatitudes in Everyday Life by Fr. Jeffrey Kirby. Although the members often do a book study, this is a casual group. If you miss a week or two and get behind on the book, Teresa says you are still welcome. Moms are also welcome to join the group at any time.

Teresa first became involved with the Mom’s Group when she saw an announcement in the bulletin, after moving to our parish about five years ago. She’s been involved ever since.

The kids also get to know other kids from the parish and are able to form friendships. The group is made up of mostly moms in their 30s, but some older moms join from time to time.

“We appreciate when some of the older moms are there, because we can all share our joys and struggles and get advice,” Teresa says.

In addition to meeting, the moms are also there for each other, whether it’s bringing meals for the birth of a baby or lending a hand or a hug during a struggle.

“It’s nice to have a good group of friends that are Catholic,” Teresa says. “It makes such a difference when you have that underlying, shared belief system.”

If you would like to get involved in the Mom’s Group, please watch the bulletin for announcements regarding a return to meetings once COVID-19 precautions have lifted.

Children dress up as saints during a Mom’s Group gathering.