Mothers’ Group Ministry – Saint John Neumann

Goal

To promote fellowship and spirituality among the mothers of the St. John Neumann parish community. To sustain a dynamic support network and build lasting friendships for our parish’s mothers as well as children. To answer the parish call to action by organizing events and, individually, volunteering our time, food and goods.

Membership

Our membership volume is dynamic and changes as families change. On average we have 100-120 active members.

For more information about the group, or to join, please email momsgroup@saintjn.org or complete our online registration form or contact our membership coordinator, Carmen Wright.

Communication

Our primary mode of communication is electronic. Notification of events, membership, and other information is done primarily through monthly email newsletters, e-vites, and our closed Facebook group. Our communication coordinator is Lizette Ryan.

Activities & Contacts

Playgroups meet Thursday mornings (all year) for children generally ranging in age from newborn to five years of age. The group meets regularly from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at SJN in the Early RE room (next to the cry room.) From time to time, the group will meet at local parks or in people’s homes. Dads, grandparents, and other caregivers are welcome. Our playgroup coordinator is Mary Burkhalter.

First Friday Social

The First Friday Social meets October through June in the Early RE room on First Friday mornings from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM (following the 9:00 AM Mass) for light refreshments, playtime for children, and social time for moms. The First Friday social coordinator is Katharine McHugh.

Family Activities

Family activities are scheduled throughout the year, weekends and weekdays, and may include: a trip to an apple orchard, Halloween party, All Saints’ Day party, Easter egg hunt, Frying Pan Farm picnic, Bready Park play date, family cookout, and more! In addition to moms, we welcome children, dads, grandparents, and other family members to these events. The family activities coordinator is Sarah Norman.

Social Action

Social action projects include coordinating the provision of meals for new moms and moms-in-need, collecting for local organizations that serve women and children, and fundraising for kids’ charities. The social action coordinator is Rhiya Dominic.

Spirituality

Spirituality is nurtured through participation in Bible Study, Story Time for Tots, book club, various children’s activities, annual Rosary Prayer potluck, pilgrimages, adorations, retreats, and Lenten acts of kindness.

The Spirituality coordinator position is currently OPEN.

Bible Study: Meets from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on select Fridays from September through May, and covers the upcoming Sunday scripture. Childcare for children six months and older is provided by SJN volunteers. RSVP is required for childcare. The Bible Study coordinator is Felice Ketterer.

Living Rosary Circle: Meets quarterly or annually as scheduled. The Living Rosary coordinator is Angela Vasquez.

Nativity Play: The children put on a Nativity play around Christmas time. The Nativity Play coordinator position is OPEN.

Stations of the Cross & Lenten Soup: One Friday during Lent, the Mothers’ Group combines forces with another SJN ministry to lead the Stations of the Cross and provides meatless soups and other food for the community immediately following. The Stations & Soup coordinators are Hannah Archey and Meaghan Stoner.

Mom’s Nights Out

Mom’s Nights Out (MNO) are social events for our moms. We meet one weekend evening each month, often at a restaurant. A different mom takes up the mantle each month to plan the evening. The Moms’ Night Out coordinator is Sheila Malloy.

Tea Circle

Tea Circle meets quarterly for afternoon tea and on occasion, monthly gatherings for casual morning get-togethers. The Tea Circle coordinator is Lizette Ryan.