Ministry for moms
By Erick Rommel
Head Staff Writer
METUCHEN — From the day their children are born, mothers are called upon to provide for their every need — emotionally, physically and spiritually — often at the cost of their own. In St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Parish, mothers have the opportunity to meet their needs through the Mothers’ Enrichment Group. Its more than 50 members turn to the Lord and each other as they go through the joys and difficulties associated with being a mother.
“I joined because I wanted something that would mentor me and enrich me as a mom and a Catholic woman,” said Kathleen Sclafani, a member of the group advisory team and e-mail prayer chain leader. “That’s exactly what I got. It gives you the feeling you’re part of a group larger than yourself.”
Every month at the parish’s seminar for parents preparing their infants for baptism, Msgr. Richard A. Behl, cathedral rector, discusses the need to form a strong Christian community. The enrichment group, he said, proves that it is possible. “They talk about spiritual things. They talk about practical things,” he said. “What really impresses me is how they support each other. I see this as Christ’s people in action on the community level.”
Support is provided in many ways. “When someone is in need, they get service from us,” Sclafani said. “We can provide play dates for children, meals. We can get them things from the supermarket.”
Several years ago, shortly after joining the group, Sclafani received assistance after she hurt her back. “I had breakfast, lunch and dinner provided,” she said. “It’s a ministry to serve.”
One member of the group lost a young child to cancer approximately two years ago. “It not only brought the moms’ group together, it brought the town together,” Sclafani said. “It was one of those things that rocked our faith. People showed generosity on a level I wasn’t accustomed to seeing.”
The full range of the enrichment group’s ministry can be seen during the activities at its meetings every other week. Sclafani enjoys the share groups most. Members read a book and discuss the chapters with each other. “When you can hear what other people are going through, you know you’re not alone. You feel strengthened,” Sclafani said. “It’s so important, that interplay between each of us.”
Meetings also include witnessing about “how women have faced their crosses,” Sclafani said. “It touches on every emotion we feel.” In addition, the group has invited priests and religious women to speak to the group. “They help us recognize that Jesus is in our lives and he’s always been there.”
Caring for the children
When the enrichment group was founded 10 years ago, Msgr. Behl called upon senior members of the parish community to minister to the moms by caring for their children while they met.
“It’s a vital function so that the mothers have time to interface with one another,” Msgr. Behl said. “They’re in good hands.”
Two of the 12 child care volunteers, Joan Nemes and Irene Santangello, have been working with the group since the beginning. Joe McGuire is the only man who volunteers.
Sclafani recalls the time he told the group they didn’t need to thank him for his volunteer efforts. “You honor us by letting us care for your children,” he told them.
Life enrichment
When women first hear about the enrichment group, they’re often interested in the opportunity to network with other mothers but worried that they don’t have the necessary faith background.
“We tell them, ‘Come, join us,’” Sclafani said. “They’re told the reason we’re called an enrichment group is because your life will be enriched.”
“Those mothers who are new to the area say it takes awhile to meet people,” Msgr. Behl explained. “This is a way they get to know each other quickly. Some have told me they don’t know how they could do it without the group.”
In addition to supporting mothers, Msgr. Behl feels the enrichment group serves a larger purpose. “Our Lord says we’re to plant the seed,” Msgr. Behl said. “That’s what we, as followers of Christ, are called to do. We’re seed droppers. We plant the seed and spread the word like a vine.”
“They really make you feel like part of a bigger thing,” Sclafani said about the group. “It really opened my eyes to bringing faith into my home, not just for me but my family.
“My husband and I never prayed together. Now we hold hands and pray every night,” she added. “We say Grace with the kids at every meal. Now, my son, at the end of books, says, ‘Amen,’ instead of ‘The End.’
*The attached/referenced article was originally published in The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, and is protected under U.S. and international copyright law