ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH
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Ministry of Motherhood (MOMs) A Catholic Community of Mothers gathering together in the presence of Jesus, devoting ourselves to faith development, family celebration, and social enrichment. Contact Us: Gayle Hunt: gaylehunt@aol.com or 908-497-0322 Mission statement: The purpose of the Ministry of Motherhood is to provide opportunities for mothers with children of all ages to experience spiritual, social and personal growth in a Christ-centered environment. All activities sponsored by MOM fulfill this purpose. This ministry is open to all mothers of St. Michael Parish. Membership: St. Michael’s Ministry of Motherhood is open to all women in the Parish. What MOM Means to Me:Here’s what some of our members have to say about what MOM means to them. “MOM has been a spiritual connection to the community for me. I know when I see MOM members around surrounding towns that there is a connection there from sharing past MOM events. I know I could ask any one of them for a favor, a smile, or their opinion on most matters. It is a diverse group of women, each contribute their gifts.” “MOM means to me Wednesday mornings filled with learning, laughter and an occasional tear but always an abundance of friendship!”
“MOM has been a wonderful source of spiritual growth, new friendships, and
playgroups for my kids, and social activities. Perhaps best of all, the
women are always a source of encouragement and help in times of need. That
has been the most precious gift to me.” MOM Activities: The MOM group provides its members with many activities throughout the year. SPIRITUAL PROGRAMS: Morning Spiritual Bible Study: Members are invited to read and reflect on Scripture or other chosen spirit-centered readings. Each meeting is led by our Pastoral Staff Facilitator. Childcare is provided at a nominal fee for those who need it. These meetings are held every Wednesday from 9am to 11am in the Parish Center Journaling Sessions: These meeting are designed to assist MOM members in personal reflection and growth. Each session runs for seven weeks and are held in the Parish Center. Prayer Network: The Prayer Network is a spiritual forum for MOM members to offer prayers and support in times of need. MOM Members can request prayers for a loved one or fellow member. Special Services: If a MOM member has recently given birth, or is coping with a family illness, death or crisis, Special Services will arrange for a meals and/or babysitting assistance to be provided to these families. FAMILY PROGRAMS: MOM & TOT Playgroups: Members and their young children meet for social interaction. The Mom and Tot playgroups meet on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30am - 11:00am in the basement playroom in St Michael's School. Advent Gathering: MOM members and their families meet on the first Sunday of Advent to receive their Advent wreaths and candles for the season. The event includes blessing of the advent wreaths, caroling, and activities for the children. Lenten Gathering: MOM members and their family meet during Lent to make sandwiches for local shelter programs.
PHILANTHROPIC PROGRAMS: Harvest Basket Collection: MOM members donate canned goods, paper products or other dry goods for Thanksgiving Food baskets. Each basket is blessed and delivered to Cranford Family Care in time for Thanksgiving. Giving Tree: Each Mom Member selects a “gift tag” and purchases the specified gift listed on the tag. The gift is then collected at the Advent Family Gathering. Each gift is given to a mom supported by Raphael’s Life House or Cranford Family Care Charity. Holiday Toy Drive: MOM members donate gently used toys which are collected and donated to St. Joseph’s Social Services in Elizabeth. Valentines Placemats and Cards: MOM member’s children gather to create decorative Valentine placemats and cards for residents of local nursing homes. MOM Helping MOM Gift Baskets: MOM members assemble Mother’s Day Gift Baskets from donated new personal items and deliver the baskets to moms supported by area charities. Please refer to the upcoming events calendar for dates and times. SOCIAL GATHERINGS: Tapas Dinner Anniversary Brunch Group Tables at Community Based Events Movie Night / Morning Coffee KEEPING UP WITH THE MOM GROUP To keep up with the MOM Group, a monthly newsletter is published which details the news of recent and upcoming events. UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR: Tuesday, September 9th Membership Social- Sarah Black Room 7:45 pm
Sunday, September 21st Membership Drive- Outside of church after 9:00 & 10:30 am masses
Tuesday, October 7th Community Gathering- Sarah Black Room 7:45 pm
Wednesday, October 22nd Book Club- Barnes & Noble Cafe in Clark 8 pm Featured book: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Tuesday, November 4th Giving Tree/Canned Food Drive- Sarah Black Room 7:45 pm
Sunday, November 30th Family Advent Celebration- St. Michael's School Cafeteria 4-6 pm
Wednesday, December 10 Book Club- Fran Michetti’s house 8 pm Featured book: Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner Friday, December 19th Christmas Caroling- Nursing Home 3:30 pm
40 Alden Street, Cranford, New Jersey 07016, USA Phone: 908.276.0360 Email: parishcenter@stmichaelscranford.org |