Women's Ministry Staff
Coordinator of
Women's Ministry
Barbara Prasad
573-635-9127, ext. 222
Administrative Assistant
Maddie Gramlich
573-635-9127, ext. 237
Alphonse J. Schwartze Catholic Center
2207 West Main St.
Jefferson City, MO 65109-0914
Who We Are
A Message from Barb
Abandon yourself in the hands of Mary. She will take care of you. ~ St Padre Pio
Isn’t it great to know that as we walk on this journey of faith together, we never have to
walk it alone? It is wonderful to have each other. It is so rewarding to see that the more we
gather the more women are getting to know each other. We recognize that we often share
the same burdens, worries and struggles. It is also rewarding to hear the stories of other
women and what has helped them navigate this journey. Just this past week women in our
diocese gathered in a Cursillo weekend and I am sure were left changed by the witnesses
that were shared. We had a Rosary and Rose event, and our speaker Felicia Anonuby left us
inspired by her faith. She shared the comfort of her constant companion. A companion that
is always traveling with us: Our Virgin Mother, Mary.
May is the month of Mary, so it seemed fitting to focus on a few ways we can invite her to
walk more closely with us. Be sure to check out our May prayer challenge and consider
adding a decade of the rosary to your prayer habit. Already pray the rosary? There are also
some resources to deepen your practice. If you have a busy mind like me and find the
rosary difficulty, I double challenge you to give it a try. Praying the rosary is life changing. It
is something that you must experience for yourself. If you develop this habit over the
remainder of the month, I know you will not be left dry. Even those of us that find sitting
still and silent difficult can develop a love and ease of praying the rosary with practice.
Perhaps we are the ones who need it most!
Also check out our faith formation page and pay special attention to the Marian
Consecration section. If you are walking with burdens, worries, and struggles hand them
over to our Mother by consecrating yourself to her. We are so fortunate that her son Jesus
left us in her care. Her entire purpose, one she does perfectly, is to lead us to her son. This
consecration is something you can do on your own or better yet form a group to do it
together. Consecrations are all scheduled to start on a day that ends on a Marian feast day.
You can find those start dates and more information on our faith formation page. If you
want additional information, you can join our monthly Zoom call on May 13 th at either noon
or 5:30. We will start with a Q&A with women who have led or participated in
consecrations in the past. The Zoom link is below.
So, take some time this month to deepen your relationship with Mary. If you are not part of
a faith sharing group, consider starting one of your own. Send in the form on our faith
formation page and we will help get you started. And finally check out our volunteer
opportunities and get involved. What is the Spirit calling you to do? Not sure? Ponder with
Mary and I know she will lead you in the right direction!
We Are Better Together,
Barb
Praying Together
May Prayer Challenge
Join us for our May prayer challenge.
Get Together
SAVE the DATE
Add our Fall Retreat to your Calendar now! don't miss out on this once a year Diocesan Women's Retreat. The theme this year is We Are Family/I've Got All My Sisters with Me! Join women from around the diocese for one or all of our events!
Join us Friday Night for a Ladies Night Out with celebrity chef and Catholic speaker Father Leo Patalinghug on Feeding My Faith, a night of cooking, fun, inspiration and adoration.
Saturday will be our annual retreat and we will focus on getting our families to heaven and the beauty of the communion of saints. Father Leo will join us again as our keynote speaker and we will spend a day in reflection, inspiration and prayer.
Finally stick around with your highschoolers and join a breakout session for parents on Sunday while they attend the youth event.
Hope to see you there!
It's Not too Late to Join
The National Shrine of Mary is hosting a Zoom serries for Mom's . You can jump in for one or all of the remaining sessions. Check it out on our event page
Study Together
Thirty Three Days to Morning Glory
May is the perfect month to schedule your Marian Consecration. go to our Fatih Fromation page for more information and start dates this summer. Would you like to hear more Join Our Zoom Call on May 13th.
The first portion will be on Marian consecration and a discussion with women who have completed it. Here are the links:
Noon - Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82345237488?pwd=NnUvVXkvNlAya1IxYXpDYUZiYUdCQT09
Meeting ID: 823 4523 7488
Passcode: 881276
5:30 pm - Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87547653425?pwd=aUZqNHlONnVoL2Y5QVFueU1nKzJ4QT09
Meeting ID: 875 4765 3425
Passcode: 423498
Have a book recommendation?
Give your book recommendations for our quarterly Faith Formation studies for 2024!
Serve Together
Get information in how you can join in the efforts to grow women's ministry throughout our diocese! Check back with each newsletter for more service opportunities as they become available. Thank you for your interest!
Have Ideas or Suggestions?
Is your parish offering a ministry program or event you would like to share? Do you have ideas or suggestions for how to grow women's ministry in our diocese?
Please send us your ideas and suggestions to bprasad@diojeffcity.org!