Graduating from Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora 15 years ago, as a young mother of four small boys, I started the MOMS Ministry at St. Gregory the Great Parish in Williamsville to provide a place for Catholic mothers to spiritually grow in their faith and motherhood. Recognized on the board of the Family Life Department, the MOMS Ministry is blessed to celebrate its 15th anniversary. This special women's ministry for Catholic mothers of all ages and stages has grown throughout the diocese.

While praying before the Holy Door at the Vatican this past June, I was inspired by Pope Francis' call for the upcoming Year of Mercy.  Moved by the Holy Father entrusting Mary, Mother of Mercy as patroness for the Holy Year, I chose MOMS  - Mothers Of Mercy - as the theme for a retreat for all Catholic moms on her feast day in thanksgiving for her maternal protection over us and over the ministry.

After putting a team of other Catholic MOMS groups together, and searching for a location, God brought us full circle, back to Christ the King Seminary.

Catholic MOMS members, and all Catholic moms are invited to join for "Mercy Matters: A Spiritual Retreat for Catholic Mothers" this Lent on the feast of Mary, Mother of Mercy, on Friday, March 18, from 2 to 9 p.m. There will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy some or all activities of this event.

In addition to a Lenten fish dinner and tour of the seminary, other parts of the retreat will spiritually feed the soul. Spiritual exercises will be led by Gini Schultz, a deacon's wife and former director of the Family Life Department. There will also be a rosary for mercy, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. A Mass for Mercy will be offered for the Vigil of St. Joseph Day (patron saint of the Universal Church and the Diocese of Buffalo) celebrated by Father Joseph Gatto, president and rector of Christ the King Seminary.

We will also have singer/songwriter/recording artist Laura Boronski leading the chaplet of Divine Mercy and Stations of the Cross "Mary's Way" in song. As a Catholic homeschool mother of eight, Boronski will also be providing a talk titled, "Mothers of Mercy" after a shared Lenten supper in the seminary dining hall.  

It is hoped that all Catholic mothers will come to feel refreshed and soak their soul at this Mercy Matters for Mothers retreat. Due to limited seating, $15 tickets are required by contacting MOMS chair, Dawn Iacono at stgregsmoms@gmail.com or 716-207-5172.

For more information regarding the schedule of events visit www.stgregs.org/ministries/.