Seton Moms

Kirstin Koelsel formally joins the Executive Council as acting Coordinator.  Alice Figueroa and Allison Hewitt will assist her as co-coordinators.  Charlotte Townsend also joins the group as Co-Nursery coordinator.  Welcome Ladies!

The Meeting was off and running covering old business.  Stephanie will begin transferring Meal Moms to Care Calendar to facilitate a more efficient means of taking care of our moms during those stressful/changing times of life.  Keep an eye out on the yahoo group for information forthcoming.

Dawn finalized plans for the Seton Moms family picnic.  It is scheduled for June 27, 11am-2pm at Johnson Park.  Families that plan on attending are asked to bring a side to share and beverages for your family.  Please contact Dawn so she may coordinate the dishes and ensure there are not any duplicates.

Calendar Planning for the Summer Playgroup is scheduled for this Thursday, June 3, 9:30 am at Laura’s House.  Come with your planners and ideas.  For those of you unable to attend the calendar will be updated with events.

Lourdes and Raquel will be attending the Adoration information meeting next week.  Seton Moms is excited about the prospect of finally getting an Adoration chapel up and running and we hope to establish Children’s Adoration as a permanent event.  Check back for future updates!

The Executive Council will be posting an End-of-the-Year Survey on the yahoo group.  Please take a few minutes to fill out the online survey.  This information will aid the Executive Council in the best way to focus our limited time and resources to best serve the group’s needs.

Tentative planning began for next year’s calendar.  The study has been chosen and all who are interested are encouraged to purchase the book, Domestic Church by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle.  Information can be found on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Domestic-Church-Mothers-Study-Guide/dp/1933271205/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275417279&sr=1-1.  This study will not only be used to help us all bring the Church into our homes and the center of our lives, but foster fellowship in our meetings.  If you are unable to purchase the book or are only able to come to a few meetings, copies will be available in our library.  As always reading is not a requirement for attendance!

A committee was formed to over-see the planning of this Fall’s Mother’s Retreat.  Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle as well as other speakers will be joining us October 9 for a full day of spirit filled fellowship.  Stay tuned for more information as planning unfolds.

Speakers are being lined up as well as fundraisers, socials and other events.

Other Calendar Notes:

First Meeting of the New Session: September 14, 9:15 a.m., JPG

Bishops’s Pro-Life Banquet-September 25

Second Meeting- September 28-start our book study, Domestic Church

Fall Fest October 9 &19

Harvest Brunch & Speaker November

Whew!  What a morning and we’re just getting started!  Next year is looking to be as fun and busy as last year.

Wow! What an ending to the Spring Semester of Seton Moms.  Over 25 women turned out for Monica Ashour’s (from TOBET-Theology of the Body Evangelization Team) second talk.

Alexis started the meeting with the Hymns By the Waking of Our Hearts and the group read the prayer Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Wendi presented Alexis with the group’s thank you gifts.  A hand painted tote and a statuette of the Bavarian Madonna were given to Alexis as small tokens of appreciation for all her hard work the past year as the Seton Moms Coordinator.

Alexis receives her Thank You gifts.

Monica then began her part of the meeting.  She led off with how Theology of the Body articulates the faith in a different light.  That abstraction is erroneous.  The body DOES matter.  The Incarnation would not mean what it does if the body didn’t matter.  God has a man’s body and here we find the basis for all the sacraments.

Monica speaks to a full room.

In the short time we had Monica took excerpts from Man and Woman He Created Them and illustrated how the body reveals the person, reveals God, and the Mystical Body matters.  Matrimony is an ecclesial event affecting the church.  As much as one might like to think it is an individual thing, it is really communal affecting all aspects of society.  From this we get Theology of the Body as the foundation of all the Sacraments.  Sacraments deal with the Human person, deal with God, and are an ecclesial event.  How important are these words; This Is My Body!

Monica explains the "Catholic Ands"

So meaty is this topic we hope to invite Monica back next year to explore further.  Thank you to everyone for all their hard work in making the past year a success.  Please keep tabs here on the blog and the yahoo group for activities over the summer.  Have a Blessed Summer and we hope to see you September 14 for the start of another great year with Seton Moms!

Another great meeting happened today.  Alexis opened up with Hymn Sing of Mary.  Bernadine accompanied us, filling the building with beautiful piano chords.  After we said the Litany of Loreto, Alexis asked who knew the story behind the Loreto House.  Since no one knew she went on to another quiz question; Name the 3 accepted ways for Divine Revelation.  Stephanie answered quickly and won a little candle.  Alexis then regaled us with the legend of the Loreto House, a story worth looking into!

Next we were on to business.  Seton Moms still needs a co-cordinator.  If anyone is interested, let any Executive Council member know or stop by our next meeting 9:30 a.m. on June 2.  Dawn showed off her art work from Ladies Night Out at Sunshine Glaze.  It looks like there will be plans for another this summer.  Peter Pan at Casa Manana is this Wed and the Family Picnic is still being planned for a Sunday in June.

The Bible Study this time was The Escape to Egypt.  Each group discussed the Flight into Egypt as well as the Massacare of the infants and return journey.  I’m sure as mothers we all have those moments where we wonder what we were thinking when we decided this trip was a good idea.  Imagine running for your life on a donkey to an unknown land.  It is a good thing to revisit these well known bible passages.  Not only to regain a better perspective on our own life and suffering, but to be inspired.  Mary’s trust in God is so implicit.  Not only was there her “fiat”, that “Yes” we talk about at Advent, but she said “Yes” over and over again, her whole life was filled with her complete submission to God’s will.

After the Bible Study, children were collected from the Nursery and the group headed over to the Moms’ Garden.  There we sang  Immaculate Mary at the statue and placed flowers.

The Plaque is in place!

Children placed flowers at Mary's feet.

All gathered to sing.

Book Club is tonight; 7:30 at Laura’s house.  Bring a nibble and come whether you’ve read the book or not.  Check the yahoo group for the address.  May 25th is the last meeting before Summer break and Seton Moms will host Monica Ashour of TOBET one more time to share about Theology of the Body and the Sacraments.

A lot of business was conducted as we wind up another semester of Seton Moms and begin the transition from one Coordinator to the other.  The Executive Council wishes to thank Alexis for a great year and we eagerly await working with Kirsten this summer and collaborating to create another great year.

Muffins for Moms

First on the docket was the financial report from the Muffins for Moms Fundraiser.  The event was deemed a success as over $200 was collected.  This money will go towards buying much needed diapers for Gabriel’s Angels.  Other needs for Gabriel’s was also discussed.

Possibility of Moms Full Day Retreat This Fall

The Mother’s Retreat held at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Colleyville on May 1st was attended by many and thoroughly enjoyed.  The Council discussed the possibility of co-hosting with St. Ann’s Moms group a full day retreat in early October.  It was decided to pursue the idea and get more information.

Socials Calendar

Dawn announced that she received the required number of reservations for Peter Pan at Casa Manana so that event is on schedule.  If you wish to go to Log Cabin Village this Friday and need to reserve a craft, contact Dawn so she can pass that on and ensure there will be plenty on hand.  Don’t forget cash only at the Village.  Plans for the Family picnic are still in the works.  The day may be moved to June to ensure everyone can attend.

May 11th Meeting

The Plaque for the Moms garden is up so a little informal unveiling will be included on May 11th during the Crowning.  Moms and children will join together after the Bibile Study to adorn Mary with flowers.

Plans for the Fall

Many ideas were tossed around and noted.  Seton Moms hopes to subsidize tickets for the Pro-Life Banquet in September.  Not only to reduce costs a bit for each couple but to place everyone at the same table so they can experience the night together.

Position Still Open

Co-coordinator position is still open.  As Kirsten is the prime coordinator for next year, she still needs a co-coordinator to learn the ropes and prepare to take the role on when Kirsten steps down.  Please contact the Executive Council or just come by during our meeting to learn more.

Hope to see everyone at the Bible Study May 11th and don’t forget Book Club that night!

We marked another successful Seton Moms meeting.  A large group turned out for the round table discussion.

A great turnout for the discussion!

Alexis started us out with the Hymn Laudate, Laudate, Dominum and prayer Regina Coeli.  A quick run through business followed.  Janice Smith brought us a surprise and Wendi was able to unveil  the long awaited plaque for the Moms’ Garden.  Thank you J. H. Smith for such a lovely addition.  Log Cabin Village is May 7th and Peter Pan at Casa Manana is May 19th, contact Dawn for information.  Look for announcements for the Family Picnic, date to be set soon.  We welcomed Laura Cooke as co-secretary.  Thank you Laura for willingness to help. The Executive Council looks forward to working with you.  A position as Co-coordinator is still open.  Please contact any Executive Council member if you are interested or have question on what the position entails.  You are also encouraged to attend the Executive Council meetings at any time.

Wendi unveils the plaque.

The Round Table consisted of 4 women from the parish; Ann McGhee (Father Jim’s Wife), Julie Douglas and Genni Pereira (former Executive Council members of Moms) and Chasity Short (a  member of TOBET).  Together these women were a snap shot of women in the Catholic church.  We had a life long passion and conversion, steadfast devotion, reversion, and the battle to stay the course all represented.

Ann McGhee started the discussion with her journey that has spanned decades beginning at a tender age.  As a 3rd grader Ann was asked to read scripture at the school assembly and this was such a moving experience for her that she can remark on it today.  As one listens to Ann revisit her memories it becomes so clear how each phase of her life brought her closer and closer to the Catholic Church and how she was prepared so that when Pope John Paul made the allowance for married Ministers to convert, Ann was ready to accompany her husband in to the Church.  Ann and Father Jim are an inspiration as a Married couple and as Catholic Christians.

Ann shares her journey.

Julie Douglas was next and her story was an example of patience and truly waiting for God’s timing and offering up our requests to him.  Her faithfulness and obedience is inspiring.

Julie shares her story.

Genni Pereira’s story is one of the modern age.  A “cultural cathlolic” growing up she illustrated the struggle many have of making a connection between “Sunday in the Pew” and “Monday Morning Life”.   As Catholics it is important that we learn and internalize our faith.  That way we can not only experience the richness that God has given up, but shine that gift to the world.

Genni shares.

Chasity Short was our last panelist, but no means the least.  Also an illustration of the struggles in modern life Chasity shared her journey of conversion and reversion.  Reminding us that we must be vigilant and stay the course in our faith and journey as Catholic Christians.

Chasity, Genni, Julie, & Ann keep the discussion lively.

Thank you Ladies for sharing with us.  It was a blessing to sit in on the discussion and be inspired by the trails you have blazed in your journeys.

Join us next meeting, May 11th, for a Bible Study and don’t forget Book Club that night at Laura’s.  Our last meeting til September will be May 25th when we host Monica Ashour of TOBET one more time.  See you there!

The Tea was a rousing success as the JPG was filled with over 20 beautiful women. We took time to welcome some new faces and reacquaint ourselves with those we’ve missed lately.

Alexis conducts business.

Alexis opened with a song & prayer. We were blessed to be accompanied on the piano by Bernadine. How lovely we all sounded!  Everyone was quickly updated on the upcoming business, a sign-up sheet for the Moms Muffin Fundraiser and for meals for 3 families was passed. Please check with the yahoo group if you missed a chance to sign up and would like to. Pens were presented to the Priests on Maundy Thursday in honor of the Year of the Priests from the Moms group. They were inscribed with their names and presented in a keepsake box with a message from the group. The Plaque for the Moms garden is on order and eagerly awaited. Dawn is busy with last minute arrangements for a full social calendar, check back for updates. The ice breaker allowed each of the group one by one to introduce ourselves with tid-bits of information. It was great fun hearing about first dates/meetings with hubbies and seeing so many women expecting another child! A drawing was held for the lovely tea roses and tulips. Each went home to a lucky winner and we hoped they’re enjoyed.

Please join us April 27, 10 for our next meeting.  We’re hosting a round table discussion on Conversion.  Next Book Club is May 11th at 7:30.  Laura Cooke will host the discussion on By Love Refined: Letters to a Young Bride by Alice von Hildebrand.  Check the yahoo group for her address.  Drinks will be provided by the hostess and guests bring a nibble of their choice.   As always, come even if you haven’t read the book!

Spring Tea Next Meeting

Spring Tea is next Tuesday 04/13/10  Last names that begin with A-M, please bring a sweet dish, and those whose names are N-Z, a savory dish. We are having a shower for the Gabriel’s Angels during the the tea.  Diapers are what is most needed, although other gently used items are accepted- no onesies please.  The success of the Muffins for Moms fundraiser on May 2nd will decide which gift we choose to donate to the Gabriel’s Angels.

Openings for Next Year’s Executive Council

We have a couple of positions opening up on the Executive council for next year.  Co-coordinator and possibly fundraiser.

April 27th Meeting

Our April 27th meeting will be a new format.  We have invited several women from the parish to speak on Conversion. Please bring your insightful questions to stir the conversation.

Social Calendar

Social Calendar is filling up
- Cinderella on 04/16/10 has 2 tickets left. $7.50 for 2 and up
- Peter Pan  is scheduled for Wednesday 05/19/10, we have 20 seats available at a ticket price of $7.50
- Seton Moms own Log Cabin Village story time will be May 7th at 10 am. Ticket prices are reasonable, we didn’t have an exact amount today -information forthcoming.
- We will be planning a family picnic for the end of the year, check for dates in the future.

Hope to see everyone at the Spring Tea!

Path view of garden

North side

Two Executive Council Members celebrated Maundy Thursday by preparing the Moms’ Garden for Summer.  While waiting for Alexis and flowers, Lee weeded the entire garden and planted some Lamb’s Ear.  Alexis and her family arrived with Begonias, Lantana and much needed mulch.  Her husband, Karsten, graciously set the leaning bench to rights while Alexis consulted with Lee on the arrangement of the new flowers.  Fighting the 20-30 mph wind they set about arranging and planting the new flowers.  The kids were a great help in keeping all the little flower pots from taking flight!  The Moms’ garden was all dressed up for Easter and is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new plaque.  Thank you Lee, Alexis, Karsten, Peter, and Clara for your gift of service to the parish.

Today’s meeting was opened with the sound of mothers singing “The Prayer of St. Francis”.  We prayed a Chaplet of Divine Mercy together, interceding for our country, our parish, and our families.  We covered some business before the Bible Study, first announcing that our group is honoring our priests on Holy Thursday with gifts in gratitude for their vocations.  Please remember to pray for them daily.  Next, we invited all moms and children (and dads) to join us Good Friday at 10 a.m. to do the outdoor Stations of the Cross, as is our yearly tradition.  We’d love to see you all there and pray together.  Our Spring Tea was announced for April 13th, and this delightful social will be combined with a baby shower to benefit Gabriel’s Angels – a group that supports mothers in crisis pregnancies.  Please come in your Easter dress and bring a baby gift of your choice.  They need almost everything that moms and babies could use.  Our next book club meeting will be that night at 7:30 in the JP II house.  We’ll be discussing Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic by David B. Currie.  Dawn reminded us of the Casa Manana production of Cindrella and she’s also working on getting tickets to Peter Pan.  We are accepting any donated books for our new moms library.  Books that apply to our vocation as mothers, wives, Catholics, and women are very welcome.  Just bring them to a meeting and we’ll get them put in the bookcase and on the list for others to borrow as needed.

Today’s Bible study centered around The Gifts of the Magi.  We had a very interesting study of the Magi and their journey, plus scriptural prophesies of the star and for Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Savior.  The gifts the Magi brought to Our Lord were all symbolic.  Gold was to represent His Kingship.  Frankencense acknowledged His Divinity, and myrrh symbolized His Passion and Death.  We pondered how Mary must have felt upon seeing these gifts.  Next we turned to the book of Judith, and read how this brave daughter of Israel used her gifts for the glory of God.  That was a fascinating read!  Judith was a strong and devout woman – a good model for the times when we feel overwhelmed.  The study ended with the question we must all ask ourselves – how do we use our gifts?  Do we make the best possible use of our gifts as mothers, as wives, and as Christians?

A handful of us gathered at Leigh Ann’s home to discuss The Exceptional Seven Percent: Nine Secrets of the World’s Happiest Couples by Dr. Greg Popcak.  It was an excellent book and sparked some wonderful and very personal conversation about marriage.  We all learned a lot from the book and from each other.   One of the great features was that Dr. Popcak lists a whole spectrum of marriage “types” and you can identify where you are on the spectrum and then look forward to what you can become!  Some of the women are reading it together with their husbands – great idea!  We highly recommend this book to all married people.  It’s a great little wake-up call and can motivate you to make your marriage holier and happier.