Stephanie Kresl

"It means so much to be able to talk to other mothers who understand."

As busy mothers, we're often pulled in too many directions. As members of a large parish, in a large city, it can be hard to find a true sense of belonging. But we all have one thing in common: our faith. Our backgrounds, ideas and interests are diverse, yet our basic values are rooted in God. We need each other -- to talk, to listen, to share our experiences and wisdom.

"I feel so much more a part of the parish community since M.O.M.S."

M.O.M.S. is about finding the spirituality in the everyday tasks of motherhood. It is a personal journey of self discovery through prayer and keeping a journal. It is not a counseling group, nor is it group therapy. It is prayerful self-reflection. In order to be the best mom we can be, we have to understand, accept and love ourselves for who we are. M.O.M.S. brings small groups of mothers together for 8 weeks as they share their stories and support each other on this journey.

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M.O.M.S. at Holy Family Catholic Church is offering 2 (eight week) fall sessions to mothers of all ages:

Tuesday evenings, 7:00 pm -9:00 pm, begin September 15^th 2009

Wednesday mornings, 9:30 am -11:30 am, begin September 16^th 2009

A one-time fee of $30 covers all session materials. Childcare may be available for the morning session, if needed.

REGISTER NOW

Contact Teri Siemienas, 407-578-6198 or tsiemienas@cfl.rr.com or visit our website, http://HolyFamilyMOMS.CatholicWeb.com

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"How much it meant to share the faith, the fear, the anticipation with a trusted friend..." The Visitation

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What is M.O.M.S.?

M.O.M.S. is an 8-week parish-based peer ministry program for small groups designed to enhance the Christian perspective on various topics including, spirituality, friendship, motherhood and "self-awareness". Co-created by Sister Paula Hagen, O.S.B., Vickie LoPiccolo and Patricia Hoyt, this ministry is based on the theology of "Called and Gifted".

Since 1992, M.O.M.S. has reached over 500,000 women and their families in over 135 dioceses in more than 3,200 parishes.

Mission Statement

The Ministry of Mothers Sharing (M.O.M.S.) creates in women an awareness of the inner sacred self, while at the same time teaching them new ways to inspire, encourage, and affirm each other. Through the process of personal and spiritual growth, women have the opportunity to clarify their values, claim their own giftedness, and bring these new strengths to their family relationships and to the Christian community.

Objectives

• "To gather mothers together to form a network of mutual spiritual support."
• "To provide a group experience of learning, praying and ministering to each other."
• "To introduce mothers to opportunities for personal and spiritual growth in a faith sharing group."
• "To increase communication skills and the use of prayer rituals in the home.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHO IS M.O.M.S. FOR?

M.O.M.S. is for any mother of any age (married, single, divorced, widowed, stepmother, grandmother, etc.) and is designed to ignite or rekindle women's spirituality. As wives, mothers, daughters and friends, with all that we do on a daily basis, this group serves the individual through personal and spiritual growth so that we can nurture others more effectively.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE?

• The ability to make a commitment to an initial 8 week period.
• The ability to keep confidentiality.
• The desire to grow by sharing.
• The ability to support other mothers in their personal growth.

WHAT ARE THE SESSION TOPICS?

Sessions will be led by a team of facilitators and topics will include...

1. Self-Esteem & Self Acceptance
   What influences me at this time in my life?
2. Stress, Worries & Anxiety
   Learning to deal with stress productively
3. Everyday Spirituality
   Relationship with Self and relationship with God
4. Feelings
   Constructive self-expression
5. Personal Growth
   Who am I?
   Where do I give and receive support?
6. Expressing Values in Friendships
   Defining Christian values, examining relationships
7. Celebration of New Beginnings
   An evening of Celebration
8. Discernment: Continuing the Journey
   How will I continue my personal growth?
   How am I "called" to continue my personal growth?

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What To Expect...

This group is for you! As you prepare for the upcoming sessions, please note the following so that you can gain the most from the experience:

Opportunity for Growth. This group will meet for eight weeks. In the seventh week, we will have a Celebration of New Beginnings. After the Celebration, you will have a chance to choose new opportunities for growth for yourself and your family.

Punctuality. The group will begin and end promptly. Please be on time to respect our time limitations.

Adult Learning Model. As adults, you have a wealth of experience and knowledge to bring to the learning adventure. Therefore, the group will often break into small groups of two or three to facilitate the sharing of ideas. Your thoughts and opinions are valued and will not be judged.

Experienced Learning. Reflective questions have been designed to give you some new experiences of spiritual growth and relationships. Read the text of MOMS: A Personal Journal and complete all journaling exercises before coming to each session. You are never asked to show your journal to anyone. Having your thoughts written down will make them easier to share.

Holistic Spirituality. The experience will include exercises to nurture the sacred within you. Many women experience an inner awakening, a renewed energy, or a desire to continue to meet and discuss other issues.

Prayer. A variety of prayer forms and rituals, including both traditional and contemporary prayers will broaden your experience of prayer. Inclusive language is used. A "M.O.M.S. graduate" has agreed to be your "Prayer Sponsor" for these eight sessions. She will be praying for you and will be invited to the Celebration of New Beginnings session.

Confidentiality. The things we learn about each other in the sessions must remain within the group. This is essential if we are to build a system of trust.

Evaluation. Each person's evaluation of this experience is valuable. Completing the evaluation will help indicate a direction for you and for MOMS. An evaluation form will be given out at the fifth session.

Family Perspective. The experience you have over the eight-week period will affect your lives and the lives of your families. You may be invited to a social gathering so you and your husband or friend can meet the husbands/friends of the other women. This "family perspective session" may be offered as an option after the eighth session and gives the chance for husbands and friends to meet and share with this new circle of friends.

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St. Paul's Monastery The Ministry of Mothers Sharing (M.O.M.S.) is an outreach ministry developed by the Sisters of St. Benedict of St. Paul's Monastery in St. Paul Minnesota. The National M.O.M.S. Office is located at the Monastery. M.O.M.S. is based on the Gospel values articulated in the documents of Vatican II, especially the document "Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium", and traditional Benedictine values in these areas:

• Seeking God in daily relationships. (Rule of St. Benedict)

• The dignity and call of each human person to holiness. (Called and Gifted)

• The Christian's ability to practice discernment and stewardship. (Rule of St. Benedict)

• The value of Christian community and sharing time and talent with others. (Gospel)

For more information about learn how to start M.O.M.S. in your community, contact your Regional M.O.M.S. Coordinator. If there is no Regional Coordinator in your area, please contact the M.O.M.S. National Office.

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Register TODAY for 2009 M.O.M.S. Fall Sessions!

M.O.M.S. has 2 Fall sessions at Holy Family Catholic Church beginning on September 15th (Tuesday evenings) and September 16th (Wednesday mornings). M.O.M.S. provides an 8-week, parish-based ministry in which trained peer facilitators lead a group of women through an experience of self discovery, mutual support, and prayer. Don't miss this opportunity to do something special for yourself! (more . . .)

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
5125 South Apopka-Vineland Rd.
Orlando, Florida 32819
Office: (407) 876-2211
Fax: 407-876-1167

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Learn to share with other women and mothers the stress, concerns and positive experiences that have influenced your personal growth.

Experience the support of other women as you discover the depth of your spirituality.

M.O.M.S. has welcomed more than 160 women at Holy Family Catholic Church. Women who have attended have developed deep personal friendships and as a result of the personal and spiritual growth, many have decided to share their gifts and strengths in ministry and other various service opportunities.

As a past participant, former Facilitator and Prayer Sponsor in this wonderful peer ministry, I would be happy to speak with you about my own personal experience and how the Ministry of Mothers Sharing has influenced my life.

Please accept this invitation to take a couple of hours each week to develop a greater awareness of your own spirituality as a mother, and to appreciate the ministry of your motherhood!

Sincerely,

Stephanie Kresl
Coordinator of Marketing & Publicity
The Ministry of Mothers Sharing (M.O.M.S.) at Holy Family Catholic Church
(407) 353-3268

First-time buyers purchasing a home are eligible for a maximum of $7,500 tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009. The purchase date is the date when closing occurs.

Income limitations are:

• Married couples with incomes less than $150,000 qualify for the entire tax credit. The tax credit phases out for married couples with incomes between $150,000 and $170,000. Couples with incomes exceeding $170,000 do not qualify for the tax credit.
• Singles with an income less than $75,000 qualify for the entire tax credit. The tax credit phases out for singles with incomes between $75,000 and $95,000. Singles with incomes exceeding $95,000 do not qualify for the tax credit.

The tax credit is really an interest-free loan from the government that must be paid back over fifteen years, in increments of $500 a year. The home owner does not have to begin making repayments on the credit until two years after the credit is claimed.

• If you die, your heirs do not have to pay back the remaining balance.
• If you sell your home before fifteen years have passed and your home's appreciation is less than the amount you have to pay back, the loan is forgiven.
• If you turn your home into a rental or investment property, you must pay back the balance due.

This Summary Is Provided Courtesy Of:

ANGELA MAZZITELLI

Contemporary Mortgage Services, Inc.

321-438-7009

As a professional in the mortgage industry, Angela has built her reputation on providing outstanding service to her clients. That means they can count on her to always look out for their best interests. With more than 19 years of experience, Angela has worked with first-time homebuyers, growing families, investors, and foreign national buyers. Her goal is to help her clients cut through the clutter in the mortgage marketplace, so they can quickly and efficiently find a loan that meets their objectives & fits their lifestyle.

Angela takes her career very seriously and will go above & beyond what's expected. As a ‘straight-shooter', she gets involved with each and every client, building lasting relationships as she strives to be their lender for life, not just for that mortgage. Angela is committed to being honest & ethical and welcomes the opportunity to gain your business!

Online Resources:

www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq.php

The Law's Other Provisions
http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/how.php

Home Buyer Resources
http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/resources.html