Women's Ministry

CONTACT: Regina DePrima ♦ (908) 580-9894 ♦ reginadeprima@verizon.net

The mission of the Women’s Ministry is to reflect on the Catholic Christian woman’s journey of faith, her relationship with Jesus Christ, her vocation and state in life, and opportunities to live the Gospel message more effectively. The primary goal is to help each woman to find time for prayer and Scripture reading, thereby solidifying her sense of identity within the Catholic Church and clarifying her call to serve.

The Women’s Ministry of Saint James was started in 1994 by a group of mothers who were inspired to share their hard-earned wisdom, and especially their faith, with the new moms of the parish through a parish retreat. Since that time, the ministry has expanded to include all women. The mission of the Women’s Ministry is to encourage women in their spiritual growth and to help them stay connected to the Catholic Church. Retreats are central to the achievement of this dual goal. The Moms’ Retreat, held in the early spring, is given by Saint James moms for Saint James moms. By sharing of their faith and their experiences as mothers and as Catholic women, and especially through prayer, the older mothers serve as mentors for the younger moms. This overnight retreat is held at the Quellen Center in Mendham and includes the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Watch the Bulletin for details.

Fall Retreat Registration: Womens_Retreat_Fall_2010_registration.pdf

An autumn retreat, held on the weekend before Thanksgiving at Quellen Center and given by a retreat coach or spiritual director from outside the parish, is open to all women. This retreat runs from Friday night to Sunday noon and includes Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and time for quiet, reflection, Eucharistic Adoration, fellowship and fun.

As an outgrowth of the retreats, The Women’s Ministry’s meetings are usually held the second Monday of each month from 8:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. in the Pastoral Center. These gatherings focus on a specific annual theme and include instruction, discussion and personal witness, as well as intercessory prayer for parish and family concerns. It is a time of camaraderie and friendship, formation and information.

All women of Saint James are encouraged to be a part of this dynamic and growing ministry. ALL women are invited! ALL women are welcome!

Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. — Proverbs 31:30