If you ever feel distressed during your day, call upon our Lady, just say this simple prayer: 'Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.' I must admit, this prayer has never failed me."
- Blessed Mother Teresa

In the Catholic Church the month of May is Mary’s month. It is when we take time to honor Mary as the Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ but also as our heavenly mother. She is our most perfect example for living a life of dedication to God. Is it any wonder so many saints have had a strong dedication to her and asked for her intercession in their life. This month I encourage you to find ways to celebrate the month of Mary. Ask her to help us all as we journey to sainthood. I also ask you to pray for her intercession as we try to grow women’s ministry across our diocese. Pray that she will guide us and bring fruit to our efforts.

Here are a few other ways you can celebrate Mary this month

• Gather to pray the rosary
• Explore making a consecration to Mary
• Read a book on Mary or better yet gather a group to read one together
• Put flowers around your Marian statues this month 

I hope this month of May will bring you closer to Jesus through Mary. I also hope you will register to join other women in our diocese for our Spring Into Summer Pilgrimage. Speaker Patty Schneier will be inspiring us with talks on prayer and the Eucharist. We will also have the opportunity to gather in prayer and adoration. I think you all will be inspired not only by the speakers and prayer opportunities but also the newly re-dedicated Cathedral of St Joseph. It has been a long time since we have had the opportunity to gather as women of our diocese. I hope you will prayerfully consider joining us. I promise you will not be disappointed!

We Are Better Together,

Barb