Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS)
What is Ministry of Mothers Sharing?
Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS) leads a group of women through an 8-week journey of personal and spiritual growth. Through small group discussions and journaling, women have an opportunity to develop self-esteem, relationship skills and a more defined sense of their own spirituality.
Is this a parenting class? Bible study?
No. Trained facilitators are women who have already been through M.O.M.S. They guide the group through the book MOMS: A Personal Journal, discussing topics such as:
- Self-esteem & Self Acceptance
- Stress, Worries & Anxiety
- Everyday Spirituality
- Feelings
- Personal Growth
- Expressing Values in Friendships
Is this group for me?
Ministry of Mothers Sharing is designed for:
- Women who devote their time to the spiritual and physical upbringing of their children
- Women who lead stressful lives
- Women who live with many demands on their time and energy
- Women who need a place to receive personal and spiritual nurturing
Do I have to be a new mom or a stay-at-home mom to attend?
No. All moms are welcome – those who work outside the home, those who stay home, new moms, experienced moms, those with small children, those with older children, single moms, married moms, step-moms and any other type of mom that you may be. A diverse group of women provides a variety of perspectives!
When and where are sessions held?
Sessions are held in the Spring and the Fall at St. Andrew the Apostle Church.
What is the time commitment?
MOMS sessions run from 6:45pm - 9:00pm, one night per week for 8 weeks.
What is the cost?
The cost is $35 and includes a copy of the book MOMS: A Personal Journal, by Paula Hagen and Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett. Assistance is available to those in financial need.
Is childcare available?
Yes. Childcare is available on-site in the Nursery at no extra charge.
What is the history of Ministry of Mothers Sharing?
This peer ministry was co-created by Paula Hagen, O.S.B., Vickie LoPiccolo and Patricia Hoyt. It is based on the theology of Vatican II, especially "Called and Gifted". Since 1992, Ministry of Mothers Sharing has reached over 500,000 women and their families in over 100 dioceses.
Paula Hagen has worked in family therapy, parish family ministry and retreat direction. A member of the Benedictine community, she developed the Ministry of Mothers Sharing for an Arizona community and currently promotes the program nationwide through workshops and lectures.
Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett is a professional writer who is active in a variety of church ministries. A member of the first MOMS group, she also created the MOMS Prayer Companion. She lives and works in Chandler, Arizona, with her husband and two children.
Patricia Hoyt is director of the School of Biblical Studies at Kino Institute of Theology in Phoenix, Arizona. She gives workshops on ministry leadership, storytelling and spirituality in the home. She is married and has four children.
Ministry of Mothers Sharing at St. Andrew's was formed in 2000 and has had over 100 women participate in the program. It is run by a group of volunteers, called the Core Team, who have participated in the MOMS program and desired an opportunity to give back to the ministry. If you're a past participant of MOMS and would like to be a member of the Core Team, please contact us.
How do I sign up or get more information?
For more information or to register for an upcoming session, please contact us.. Brochures are also available in the Narthex of the church.