As I write this newsletter I am about to hit the 2 month mark in my role as the Women’s Ministry Coordinator. I am so thankful that the prep work involved in starting a new position is finally starting to show some fruit. I am also truly amazed by the women’s ministry work that is already going on in our diocese and the interest for growing this ministry in our parishes. Every time I speak to one of our parish volunteers I am humbled by their dedication and motivated by their passion for their ministry. I am looking forward to getting out in the parishes and learning more about your work and finding ways I can help support your efforts.

I thought today I would share the three primary focuses I am working in this beginning stage:

Creating two diocesan wide events in 2023

These events will give the women and women’s groups in our area two opportunities to participate in a larger gathering designed to help enrich our spiritual lives and better prepare us to take up our call as disciples of Christ. Details are still being finalized but link to our event page for Save the Date info. Registration for our June event will be coming soon.

Building women’s ministry coalitions within our deaneries

Throughout our diocese we will be forming regional women’s groups to foster collaboration between parishes in creating opportunities for women in the deaneries to gather for fellowship, prayer, faith formation and service. The hope is these coalitions will help us work smarter not harder. By sharing our time and talent with each other we can reach more women and meet more needs. Watch for an introductory meeting to be coming to your area soon. If you are interested in helping on one of our deanery coalitions please submit your email to me at bprasad@diojeffcity.org for opportunities in your area.

Building a resource library for ministry leaders and personal growth

We will be providing monthly ministry highlights in this newsletter to help generate ideas you can implement in your parish. We are also working on developing a list of resources with ideas and tips to grow this ministry. This resource will take time to build and will be most beneficial with your help. I encourage you to share your favorite book club books, event ideas, speakers and any other ministry successes so we can all learn from each other’s successes. Please send any ideas to be included in this ministry resource listing to bprasad@diojeffcity.org.

All of these plans can only be successful with your help. Link to our Disciples Wanted  page for opportunities to join us is in our efforts. I am honored to have the opportunity to play my small part in growing  women’s ministry and lok forward to excitement to see how we can grow!

We Are Better Together,

Barb