Meeting Notes

Thank you to everyone who came to the meeting on Oct. 7^th.  We had a wonderful discussion and time together.

Notes:

In answer to the question “When I think of "Women’s Ministry" I think of… we gave these answers:

 

Diversity

Action under guidance with prayer

Networking

Empowerment

Ministry = Service

Community

Welcome at any point

To feel welcome

Fun

Spiritual

Women

Camaraderie

Time for ourselves

Sharing talents and gifts

Ministry (i.e. Funerals)

Encouragement

Support

Rejuvenation

Mentoring

Some comments about the Women’s Ministry as it has been experienced here at St. Francis of Assisi:

Didn’t know there was one

How do they do funerals here?

Long time - camaraderie – working together

Diversity in age – connection

Square peg in a round hole

More service

Not getting a lot out

Didn’t feel welcome

Told to pick a group, but didn’t know how to

Still belongs to old parish group

Responses to the question “If I could have anything I wanted in terms of ‘Women’s Ministry’, I would want …

Mom’s group

Spiritual, parenting, empowering, mentoring, childcare

Women of Grace groups and study group

Diversity

Widows / singles over 30years old

Catholic Daughters

Different groups for different needs

Events (i.e. Teas, parties just for women or open events)

Make time for yourself

Non-gathered ministry (i.e. use of on-line resources, discussion boards  and blogs)

Notes from the November 8^th Meeting:

We recapped the meeting in October and then opened for discussion the same questions: What do you think of when you think of Women’s Ministry? What would you like to see? What are your concerns? What would you like to see women of the parish do?

Responses (in no particular order):

·         Mentoring: from early members

·         Retreats

·         “Women of Grace” study program

·         Welcome of New Members

·         What about age and vocational diversity?

·         More social connections through activities

·         Offer classes, e.g. “So you want to know how to…” not necessarily “church” topics could be popular and/or practical subjects.

·         Investigate new ways of communicating

·         Personal invitations to attend and join

·         A suggestion box/ board in the Gathering Space

·         Bible study / Women in the Church study

·         Nursery?

Ø  Have a Women’s expo for the parish, fun, food, information, social activities, spiritual and should be include all women (don’t want to leave out the Hispanic and Vietnamese women).

Ø  Rename: “Women’s Ministry” sounds like a “to do” list, use something like “Women of St. Francis of Assisi” or “St. Francis of Assisi Women”