The Women of Hope Ministry assists our faith community in developing appropriate responses for topics that regard women today in church and society.  Women of Hope (WOH) serves as a catalyst for our faith community to be attentive to the ongoing needs and challenges of women in our parish and beyond.  We believe the WOH Ministry can form people’s minds and hearts around these concerns through education, prayer and advocacy action.

Gatherings sponsored by the WOH Ministry are open to all parishioners.  There are times, however, when there is great value for women to gather with other women in an atmosphere of reflection and sharing.  For that reason, a few opportunities sponsored by WOH have been designated for women exclusively, e.g., the spring retreat.

The Women of Hope Ministry relies on volunteers for all aspects of programming from brainstorming sessions held every spring to creation and follow through of all programs.  We welcome participation at these brainstorming sessions that ultimately make possible the programs that are presented during the year.

In addition to our commitment to Faith Formation, Prayer, and Advocacy opportunities, WOH Ministries has expanded to embrace:

Muslim/Christian Dialogue – Muslim and Christian women of faith and hope join together to promote knowledge and understanding of one another’s beliefs and religious traditions.  Our faith inspires and compels us to foster opportunities for dialogue, prayer and advocacy.  We do this to promote peace, respect and justice for all people in our diverse cultural community.

MOMS - Ministry of Mothers Sharing is an opportunity for mothers to develop a more defined sense of spirituality at a time when they are facing the challenges of raising a family.  MOMS is an eight week program during which we use a Personal Journal with short readings and space for written reflections.  The 6 chapters include topics such as self-acceptance, worries, and everyday spirituality.  We run one or two sessions each year guided by 2-3 facilitators.

Sunset Cruise & Evening of Reflection
Tuesday, July 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
All men and women are invited to our 6th annual Sunset Cruise and Evening of Reflection. This year we will sail aboard the Argia, a replica of a 19thcentury gaff-rigged schooner, down the Mystic River. Sebastian Kolodziej of the House of Bread will again provide a delicious dinner. Music and time for reflection will be included as we sail the waters of Fisher's Island Sound. Offering: $40.00

Speaker: Fr. John Leonard, ofm
Register early as seating is limited.
Please call the Parish Office at 860-756-4034 to register for these events.

Muslim & Christian Women of Hope & Faith: Celebrating Our Friendship & Envisioning Our Future
Join us for an evening of dinner, conversation & prayer, as we gather to reconnect, to renew our friendship, and to share our hopes & plans for our future together. Bring yourself and a woman friend or family member; bring your stories & your dreams -- especially your visits about what women of hope & faith can do...and bring a little something to share for supper!

Date: Thursday, August 5, 2010; 6:15-8:45 p.m.
Location: Berlin Mosque (Islamic Assoc. of Gr. Hartford), 1781 Wilbur Cross Hwy., Berlin, CT
Carpooling available as needed. Please RSVP by July 31.
For more info. and registration call Carole Fay at 860-872-1667 or email ccfnoank@yahoo.com

                            
Parishioners enjoying "Sunset Cruise and Evening of Reflection" on July 30, 2008 aboard the "Argia Schooner"

Click here for a PDF Book on the Women of the Bible Quilt