Take Out Leaders Guide May

Ministry for Mothers

With Mother’s Day and a special focus on Mary, the mother of God, the month of May has traditionally been dedicated to mothers. In this spirit, why not choose an evening in May and invite moms to the parish for a few hours of relaxation, formation and fellowship?

Set up can be minimal. If your parish has a more comfortable room such as a parish library or lounge, welcome moms into that space. Or use a social hall and set up a few tables with brightly-colored table cloths and fresh flower on each. Serve coffee, tea and cookies. Or cut up some fresh fruit along with wine and cheese. The environment is simply a backdrop for a time of support and friendship.

**Be sure to distribute copies of the May issue of Take Out magazine on each table or throughout the room.

7:00 p.m. Opening Prayer

All-loving God,
we give you thanks and praise
for mothers young and old.

We pray for young mothers,
who give life and count toes
and tend to our every need;
May they be blessed with patience and tenderness
to care for their families and themselves
with great joy.

We pray for our own mothers
who have nurtured and cared for us;
May they continue to guide
in strong and gentle ways.

We remember mothers who are separated
from their children because of war,
poverty or conflict;
May they feel the loving embrace of
our God who wipes every tear away.

We pray for women who are not mothers
but still love and shape us
with motherly care and compassion.

We remember mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers
who are no longer with us
but who live forever in our memory
and nourish us with their love.

Amen.

7:05 p.m. Welcome and Introductions

Go around the room and ask mothers to talk about the ages of their kids and their greatest joy and greatest challenge of being a mother.

7:30 Open the May issue of Take Out and allow a few minutes for moms to read the article by Heidi Busse, Who are Your Models of Motherhood? Ask moms to break into small groups of two or three and talk about their own models of motherhood. Some questions to consider:

Who is your model of motherhood?
Is your own mother or grandmother a model of motherhood?
Do you ever turn to the Bible for models of motherhood? Why or why not?
Do you feel you have a strong support group of friends and family who really understand your stage of motherhood? Can the parish help in this area of ministry?
Does today’s culture help or hinder being a mom?

8:00-8:15 Break for refreshments

8:15 p.m. Gather for large-group discussion. Ask each small group to share some of what they talked about – encourage wider discussion.

8:25 p.m. Conclude by grasping hands and saying the Hail Mary.